My nephew is studying Greek and Norse mythology, and drew this picture of the Valkyries: In Norse legends, the Valkyries were the "choosers of the slain," supernatural women who would ride horses- on the ground or through the air- to select slain warriors to take to Odin's hall Valhalla. They are referenced in many old Norse stories and poems, including Gylfaginning 36 (from 1220) which describes them this way: “Odin sends them to every battle. They allot death to men and govern victory. Gunn and Rota and the youngest norn, called Skuld, always ride to choose who shall be slain and to govern the killings.” Richard Wagner wrote an opera called Die Walkure which is based on Norse mythology and premiered in 1870. It includes in its third act "The Ride of the Valkyries". In it, four of the eight sister Valkyries of Brunnhilde (shieldmaiden) wait on a mountaintop and, when the other four arrive, they sing their battle cry. The music is instantly recognizable:
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