Norse Mythology: A Guide to Norse Mythology and Its Everlasting Effects on Culture. by Peri Miles

Author:Peri Miles [Miles, Peri]
Language: eng
Format: mobi, azw3, epub, pdf
Published: 2016-03-09T18:30:00+00:00

Chapter 4: Valhalla

Valhalla had more of an integral part in a Vikings life than just a place to end up when the death happened. Yes, it was a place that half the Viking warriors would go, they would go before Odin, who presided over Valhalla, but more the idea of a “heaven” in Asgard affected how Vikings lived their life.

One had to be worthy of entering Valhalla. It was not simply an assignment that happened after life was over. According to the legends, Freya could select warriors to go with her and fight on the field, meaning they would gain entrance to Folkvang.

Valhalla is considered a place or realm where only distinguished warriors would go. They would go there to continue in an everlasting battle. There was also a third choice where Vikings could end up.

If a Viking did not lead a distinguished and powerful life, but was one to die of old age or sickness, then they would be taken to Helheim. Helheim was considered a place for those violently killed, sick or old. Basically, the warriors who were too far gone to fight again, would make it to Helheim. Even Baldur was considered to go to Hel or Helheim, rather than to make his way to Valhalla.

For Vikings, Valhalla signified the ever eternal life that could be lived. While some of the warriors would end up in Folkvang and Valhalla, others in Helheim, one thing always held true—they could be reborn. A part of the self would always remain in the underworld. The physical body would be in a grave. However, it was believed that hamingja or luck would be born into a new descendent.

It was thought that if a new child was given the name of the original owner of luck, the person would be reborn and the life would continue. It makes it very difficult to distinguish various people in Norse and Viking history because the names were often the same. For example, King Olaf was named and reincarnated as another deceased Olaf.

While it was possible to be reborn as a human again, it was also thought that transmigration could occur. A part of the self that was reincarnated could become an animal spirit, which could then influence a person’s character. It was why the wolf, pig, and other animals were often named in Norse legends as being important.

Giving Up Fear

With the cycle of life, death, and reincarnation, the Vikings lived without fear. Being able to continually fight as a strong warrior meant that the person could live without fearing death. They would continually be able to fight and help their human counterparts in any war.

It was a sign of honor to be the strongest Viking, one worthy of Valhalla. A magnificent death, where the warrior was the strongest of the strong meant Valhalla was their destiny.

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