Inside the gate, there are 540 enormous holy doors, and through each door, eight hundred soldiers will exit to fight the beastly wolf, Fenrir, in the battle of Ragnarok. Surrounding Odin’s Hall the river Thund (“The Swollen” or “The Roaring”) roars loudly, and there is a sacred and ancient gate called Valgrind (“The Death Gate”) on the outer perimeter of the hall. Heidrun the goat and Eikthyrnir the stag eat the branches of the tree. The branches of the tree, Laerad, presumed to be the same as the world tree Yggdrasil, hang above the golden hall. An eagle flies above the golden hall, while a wolf hangs above the western gates (some sources suggest the animals were symbolic carvings). Its roof consists of battle shields, and spears serve as the rafters. According to Grímnismál, the hall shimmers with golden towers. Grímnismál, “The Sayings of Grimnir,” is one of the Old Norse poems in the Poetic Edda. It was probably composed in the 10th century and provides the most common description of Odin’s Hall. Nonetheless, the Prose Edda is a very valuable source of Norse mythology, noteworthy heroes, and historic battles. Additionally, where there may have been voids in the imagery or organization of concepts, he embellished rather wildly. Although Snorri extracted many concepts in the Prose Edda from Old Norse songs and poems, most scholars agree that he also interjected Christian concepts into the mythology. This Edda contains sagas, mythology, and treatises on poetry in the form of both prose and verse. The Prose Edda also derives from the 13th century and is the work of the Christian politician, historian, and poet, Snorri Sturluson. You May Also Like: Sleipnir: Eight Legged Horse of Odin The Poetic Edda provides the oldest descriptions of the Hall of the Slain. However, many scholars agree that most of the contents originate from pre-Christian Old Norse traditions. Likewise, the authors of the poems in the Poetic Edda are a mystery as well. The Poetic Edda consists of various poems and was compiled in the 13th century by an unknown person. These are the Poetic Edda, also known as the Elder Edda, and the Prose Edda, also known as the Younger Edda. The main sources of Old Norse mythology and religion stem from two compilations of sagas and poems. It is an afterlife fit for kings and a place that any Viking would have aspired to enter. Likewise, the goat Heidrun possesses magic udders that continuously produce the mead that the beautiful Valkyries serve to the warriors. Thereafter, the animal comes back to life for the Einherjar to eat again the next day. The gods’ cook sacrifices the beast Saehrimnir each day to provide the finest meat. The rest of their time they merrily feast from an endless bounty of all the best foods and drinks. Meanwhile, the Einherjar spend most of their days honing their skills, fighting, and preparing for the great battle. Related: Yggdrasil Tree of Life and the Nine Worlds of Norse Mythology These honored fighters are destined to assist Odin in Ragnarok, the great final battle that will come at the end of the cosmic cycle during which most of all living things within the cosmos will die. Of those who die, the Valkyries will usher half to Valhalla and they will become Einherjar (pronounced “ane-HAIR-yar”), Odin’s elite warriors. Their most important job is to help determine which warriors live or die in battle. The Valkyries, “choosers of the slain,” are beautiful warrior-maidens who assist Odin in a number of ways. What Was the Afterlife Like in the Hall of the Slain?
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