"Die Walkure"

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Trusty Wikipedia tells me that the word "Valkyrie" or Valkyrja comes from two Norse words: valr - referring to the slain on the battlefield; and kjosa meaning "to choose".

In Norse legends, the Valkyrie were a host of feminine winged spirits who chose the bravest and most honourable Norse warriors who would be welcomed into the halls of Valhalla. The great chief god Odin would command the Valkyrie to soar over battlefields and gather up the chosen fallen heroes who would be taken away to the great hall, and feast with Odin for eternity.

This is where the iconographical image of wings on shields and helmets becomes synonymous with Vikings and Norsemen.

Apparently in later times, the Norse legends of the Valkyrie transformed the dark wraiths into spritely Amazonian shield-maidens - virgins with golden hair and bright eyes.

There are a couple of love stories associated with the Valkyrie - one where the wife of the lost warrior cried so much and for so long, that the fallen warrior spoke to her, telling her that every tear she shed made his wounds flow. Odin allowed the woman to be reunited with her warrior in Valhalla.

I like that ancient (and apparently) bloodthirsty marauders believed in angels, and everlasting love.

Vor Unn Ethan..