Valhöll
Valhalla is the English term for the Old Norse Valhöll, which refers to the home of warriors slain gloriously in battle.
Meaning: in Norse mythology, the home of warriors slain gloriously in battle (name)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is a compound of valr (the slain) and höll (hall). The component Val means slaughter or battle, and höll translates to hall or house, making the literal meaning the Hall of the slain.
Did you know?
- The residents of Valhöll are fed by the boar Sæhrímnir, who is slaughtered and eaten every single day but is reborn completely whole every night.
- In Old Norse poetry, Valhöll is often depicted as having 540 doors, each wide enough for 800 warriors to march through side by side.
- The roof of Valhöll is not made of tiles or thatch but is constructed entirely from golden shields.
Examples in context
- Berserkar munu fylgja Óðni í Valhöll.Berserkers shall follow Odin to Valhöll.
Example conversation
Two Vikings discuss their hopes for the afterlife.
- ErikHverr vildi ekki koma til Valhöll?Who would not want to come to Valhalla?
- HelgaSá err ekki kappi, Erik.One who is not a warrior, Erik.
- ErikEk skal berjast fyrir Valhöll.I shall fight for Valhalla.
- HelgaÞat er góðr hugr, vinr.That is a good thought, friend.
