Valhalla

The fierce and fearsome Viking warriors were taught from an early age that bravery in battle was the ultimate goal. Not only were their role models ferocious fighters, but their folklore echoed the beliefs and values that spurred them on to their destiny. Among the tales and lessons that prepared them for war, there was always a promised reward for their service, that being the honor and glory of eternity in Valhalla.

Translated as the “hall of slain heroes”, Valhalla was described as a magnificent hall with a roof made of shields and five hundred and forty doors. Every door was wide enough to allow eight hundred heroes marching abreast to enter and every night the warriors would celebrate with a feast at which Odin would be the host.

To reach the great hall one only had to die fighting bravely in battle and then be in the half of the slain warriors chosen by Odin. The Viking warrior would then be led by the Valkyries, warrior maidens, to the Valhalla where he would enjoy a fresh battle every day and recover from his wounds in time for the banquet.

The other half would accompany the Goddess Freya to the field of Fólkvangr. However, any warrior who died other than in combat or whose death was dishonorable would be sent to Hel.

Although, it can be argued that the legend of Valhalla was simply meeting the tastes of the community in their thirst for blood, there is an argument that identifies the tale as pre-echoing the folklore of cultures later in history. The virtual martyr status awarded to those who fought without concern for their own wellbeing has been used as an incentive for soldiers repeatedly, especially in situations where the need for exceptional sacrifice has been required.

Whether Valhalla exists or not the function of the folklore to inspire an army of violent warriors certainly worked for the Vikings.

The cultural significance of folklore rests in its use as an educational tool for the community. Through it the values of the society are illustrated and reinforced. In the case of the Vikings, a violent and warlike people, the courage and strength of the warrior was foremost. This dictated the role of women as in Freya’s regular weeping for her long absent warrior husband and the vision of the afterlife in Valhalla’s daily mortal combat from which the wounds would heal in time for the revelry of the nightly feast.

While we might find relating to the politics difficult, the necessity of such attitudes for the survival of Vikings was clear and it doesn’t take a great deal of digging or thinking to notice the similarities with some contemporary belief systems.