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The term “Valkyrie” originates from Norse mythology, where these figures were depicted as warrior women who served Odin, choosing which warriors would die in battle and be taken to Valhalla. The “Valkyrie era” isn’t a historical period in the traditional sense but refers more to the mythological context and the literary works in which these figures appear, such as the Poetic Edda and Prose Edda from the 13th century.
Time Period: The Historical and Mythological Context
In Norse mythology, the Valkyries were active during the Viking Age (approximately 793–1066 AD), a time when Norse culture, including its mythology, flourished. Valkyries are depicted as powerful female figures who rode across battlefields on horseback, selecting slain warriors to join the ranks of Odin’s army in preparation for Ragnarok, the prophesied end of the world.
Historically, the concept of Valkyries is intertwined with the Viking Age’s warrior culture, which celebrated martial prowess and the heroics of battle. However, it’s important to note that the specific stories and descriptions of Valkyries were likely formalized much later, during the 13th century, when the Poetic Edda and Prose Edda were compiled from earlier oral traditions.
The Book: Modern Interpretations
In modern literature, the concept of Valkyries has been reimagined and expanded beyond their original mythological roles. For example, in Nancy Marie Brown’s book The Real Valkyrie: The Hidden History of Viking Warrior Women, the author explores the idea that Viking women, like the Valkyries, were not just mythological figures but may have had real counterparts in history. Brown delves into archaeological findings and historical records to argue that women warriors existed and were significant in Viking society, challenging the traditional Victorian-era notion that Viking women were confined to domestic roles.
Brown’s book juxtaposes the mythological Valkyrie era with a more historical perspective, suggesting that the line between myth and reality may have been more blurred than previously thought. She brings to light stories of actual warrior women, making a compelling case that the mythological Valkyries may have been inspired by real women who lived and fought during the Viking Age.
In summary, while the “Valkyrie era” in mythology is set during the timeless and mythical Viking Age, modern interpretations, like those in Brown’s book, seek to link these legendary figures to historical realities, enriching our understanding of both the mythology and the history of the time.
For more detailed insights, you can explore sources like the World History Encyclopedia and Wikipedia, which provide comprehensive timelines and analyses of Valkyries in both mythological and historical contexts(
