Rise of the Valkyries is the sound of judgment descending from the clouds. It is an epic Viking war song sung in Old Norse, serving as a powerful invocation to the mythical entities who controlled the fate of every warrior.
While songs like Call of Valhalla focus on the destination, Rise of the Valkyries focuses on the agents of that transition. It evokes the storm of swords, the breaking of shields, and the terrifying beauty of the “Choosers of the Slain” riding down to execute Odin’s will.
The Choosers of the Slain (Valkyrjur)
The word Valkyrie comes from the Old Norse Valkyrja, which literally means “Chooser of the Slain.” Contrary to some modern romantic depictions, Valkyries were not merely benevolent angels who carried souls away. They were fierce, spectral women associated with carnage.
- The Decision: They hovered over the battlefield to decide who would die and who would live.
- The Fetters: In some sagas, they could cast “fetters” (Herfjötur) upon warriors, paralyzing them so they could be easily killed and taken to Valhalla. This song captures the awe and terror of seeing them “Rise” above the fray.
Daughters of Odin and the Storm
The lyrics describe the environment: “Thunder shrieks, the earth shakes too.” Valkyries are closely linked to the weather. In mythology, the flickering of their armor was said to cause the Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights), and their riding caused storms. They serve Odin directly. As the lyrics state (“Odin calls”), their mission is specific: to gather the strongest fighters to build the army of the Einherjar for Ragnarök. They are the recruiters for the final war.
Sonic Composition: The Sound of the Ride
This track is built to simulate the descent from the heavens to the earth.
- The Thundering Gallop: The percussion is fast and rolling, mimicking the hoofbeats of the Valkyries’ horses riding through the sky.
- The Battle Chorus: The vocals are powerful and urgent. It is a chant intended to be heard over the din of battle—a plea for the warriors to fight bravely enough to be noticed by the gods.
- Cinematic Escalation: The song “rises in power” just as the battle intensifies, ending in a climax that represents the final ascension to Valhalla.
When to Summon the Valkyries
This track is high-energy, motivating, and dramatic. It is perfect for:
- Viking Workouts: The driving rhythm is excellent for cardio or HIIT sessions. It simulates the adrenaline of the fight.
- Boss Battles (Gaming): The ultimate soundtrack for fighting a major enemy in Elden Ring or God of War, especially airborne enemies.
- Writing Epic Fantasy: Writers use this track to visualize large-scale battles where magic and steel collide.
Rise of the Valkyries Lyrics & Translation
The lyrics describe the descent of the Valkyries, the chaos of the battlefield (blood, fire, wolves), and the glorious opening of Valhalla for those who fall with honor.
Rís, valkyrjur, ór himni hátt, Blóð ok eld, vér berjask brátt. Óðinn kallar, sverðr í hönd, Skjǫldr brýtr, logar land.
Rís, valkyrjur, rísa nú! Þrumr hvín, ok jǫrðr skelfr í snú. Rís, valkyrjur, fylgð til stríðs, Dauðrinn kallar, vér förum tíð.
Sverð í stormi, hjarta brennr, Engi ótti, dauði kennr. Valhǫll opnask, bjǫrninn gnýr, Æsir syngja, stríðit stýrr.
Rís, valkyrjur, rísa nú! Þrumr hvín, ok jǫrðr skelfr í snú. Rís, valkyrjur, fylgð til stríðs, Dauðrinn kallar, vér förum tíð.
Hǫll brennr, blóð flæðir, Hǫrgr hrytr, sálir gleymdir. Hrafnar fljúga, úlfrar gaula, Í dauða, vér sigra, vér skǫlum.
Rís, valkyrjur, rísa nú! Þrumr hvín, ok jǫrðr skelfr í snú. Rís, valkyrjur, fylgð til stríðs, Dauðrinn kallar, vér förum tíð!
Rís… valkyrjur… Valhǫll bídr… Ævinlig stríð… Ok ætt vér síðr.
English Translation
Rise, Valkyries, from heavens high, Blood and fire, we soon shall vie. Odin calls, with sword in hand, Shields are breaking, flames seize land.
Rise, Valkyries, rise anew! Thunder shrieks, the earth shakes too. Rise, Valkyries, march to war, Death is calling, forevermore.
Swords in storm, our hearts aflame, No fear remains, death gives no shame. Valhalla opens, the bear will roar, Æsir sing, the battle soars.
Rise, Valkyries, rise anew! Thunder shrieks, the earth shakes too. Rise, Valkyries, march to war, Death is calling, forevermore.
Halls are burning, blood flows fast, Altars crumble, souls won’t last. Ravens fly, the wolves are howling, In death we triumph, fate is calling.
Rise, Valkyries, rise anew! Thunder shrieks, the earth shakes too. Rise, Valkyries, march to war, Death is calling, forevermore!
Rise… Valkyries… Valhalla waits… Eternal strife… And kin we face.
Do Valkyries fight in battles?
In most myths, they hover above the battle to direct the outcome with magic or spears, rather than fighting in the shield wall like humans. However, legendary human shieldmaidens (like Brynhildr) are often conflated with Valkyries in the heroic sagas.
What do Valkyries do in Valhalla?
When not on the battlefield, the Grímnismál describes them as serving mead to the Einherjar. They ensure the warriors are feasted and ready for Ragnarök. This dual role—terrifying judge of death and welcoming hostess—defines their nature.
Who is the most famous Valkyrie? Brynhildr
is the most famous, appearing in the Völsunga Saga. She was punished by Odin for disobeying him (she struck down the wrong king in battle) and was cast into a sleep inside a ring of fire, to be woken by the hero Sigurd.
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