Viking vs. Valkyrie — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on May 6, 2024
Vikings were Norse warriors known for their raids and explorations across Europe, whereas Valkyries in Norse mythology are divine figures who choose those who may die and those who may live in battles.
Difference Between Viking and Valkyrie
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Vikings were Norse seafarers active from the late 8th to early 11th centuries, primarily known for their raids, trading, and colonization across Europe. On the other hand, Valkyries are mythological beings from the same Norse culture, depicted as serving Odin, deciding the fates of warriors in battles.
While Vikings were real historical figures, often depicted as fierce warriors and skilled navigators, Valkyries are mythical and were believed to fly over battlefields, choosing the most heroic of those who were slain, guiding them to Valhalla. Whereas Vikings lived tangible lives with physical hardships, Valkyries existed in spiritual realms and were often associated with mystical powers.
Vikings played a significant role in the historical and cultural development of Scandinavia and the British Isles, contributing to the gene pool and linguistic changes in the regions they settled. In contrast, Valkyries influenced Norse mythology, providing a narrative framework that highlighted the valor and destiny of warriors, crucial to Viking society's understanding of bravery and the afterlife.
In art and literature, Vikings are often portrayed with their iconic longships, helmets, and weaponry, symbols of their exploration and warfare capabilities. Conversely, Valkyries are depicted as majestic, often riding winged horses, equipped with helmets and spears, symbolizing their role as divine choosers of the slain.
The societal roles of Vikings varied, including farmers, traders, and explorers, reflecting a complex and versatile society. Valkyries, however, had a singular purpose within the myths: to serve Odin and influence the outcomes of wars, reflecting the Norse culture's deep respect for fate and the warrior ethos.
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Comparison Chart
Nature
Historical warriors and explorers
Mythological divine figures
Cultural Origin
Norse (Scandinavia)
Norse mythology
Role
Raiding, trading, colonizing
Deciding fates in battle, serving Odin
Representation
Longships, helmets, weaponry
Winged horses, helmets, spears
Influence
Cultural and genetic legacy in Europe
Mythological influence on Norse ethos
Realm
Earthly
Spiritual, associated with Valhalla
Compare with Definitions
Viking
Known for their navigation skills and longships.
Vikings navigated vast distances using only the sun, stars, and ocean currents.
Valkyrie
Often portrayed as riding flying horses, wearing armor.
According to legend, the Valkyrie could be seen riding through the sky on winged horses.
Viking
Integral to Norse culture and history.
Viking artifacts provide insight into the daily lives and culture of these historic figures.
Valkyrie
Represents a key aspect of Norse mythological cosmology.
Valkyries play a crucial role in the Norse understanding of life, death, and afterlife.
Viking
A member of the seafaring Scandinavian people who raided and colonized wide areas of Europe from the 9th to the 11th century.
The Viking explorers set sail to discover new lands across the sea.
Valkyrie
In Norse mythology, a divine maiden who serves Odin by choosing those who may die or live in battle.
The Valkyrie descended upon the battlefield to select the bravest warriors for Valhalla.
Viking
Involved in trade, settlement, and exploration beyond their native lands.
Vikings established trade routes that connected Northern Europe to Asia.
Valkyrie
Symbolic of fate and destiny in battle.
Norse warriors believed the Valkyries controlled their fate in the heat of combat.
Viking
Often engaged in raids across coastal Europe.
The coastal villages fortified their defenses to protect against Viking raids.
Valkyrie
Associated with the afterlife realm of Valhalla.
Heroes chosen by Valkyries were granted entry to Valhalla, where they lived in eternal glory.
Viking
One of a seafaring Scandinavian people who raided the coasts of northern and western Europe from the eighth through the tenth century.
Valkyrie
In Norse mythology, a valkyrie (; from Old Norse valkyrja "chooser of the slain") is one of a host of female figures who choose those who may die in battle and those who may live. Selecting among half of those who die in battle (the other half go to the goddess Freyja's afterlife field Fólkvangr), the valkyries take their chosen to the afterlife hall of the slain, Valhalla, ruled over by the god Odin.
Viking
A Scandinavian.
Valkyrie
Any of Odin's handmaidens who conducted the souls of the slain to Valhalla.
Viking
One belonging to the pirate crews from among the Northmen, who plundered the coasts of Europe in the eighth, ninth, and tenth centuries.
Of grim Vikings, and the raptureOf the sea fight, and the capture,And the life of slavery.
Valkyrie
(Norse mythology) Any of the female attendants of Odin, figures said to guide fallen warriors from the battlefield to Valhalla.
Wagner's “Der Ring des Nibelungen” (1853) famously features valkyries.
Viking
Any of the Scandinavian people who raided the coasts of Europe from the 8th to the 11th centuries
Valkyrie
(Norse mythology) one of the maidens of Odin who chose heroes to be slain in battle and conducted them to Valhalla
Common Curiosities
Did Vikings actually wear horned helmets?
Contrary to popular belief, there is no historical evidence that Vikings wore horned helmets in battle.
Who were the Vikings?
Vikings were Scandinavian warriors known for their raids and maritime expeditions from the late 8th to early 11th century.
What is a Valkyrie in Norse mythology?
Valkyries are mythological figures who choose the slain warriors worthy of a place in Valhalla.
How do Valkyries influence battles according to Norse myths?
Valkyries choose who lives and who dies, directing the fate of warriors and the outcomes of battles.
What were the primary activities of Vikings?
Vikings were engaged in raiding, trading, and settling new territories across Europe.
What role do Valkyries play in the afterlife?
Valkyries guide the souls of fallen warriors to Valhalla, where they live in eternal glory.
How did Viking expeditions impact Europe?
Viking expeditions significantly influenced the cultural and genetic landscape of medieval Europe.
Are Valkyries considered gods?
Valkyries are not gods but divine beings who serve under Odin in Norse mythology.
How are Valkyries depicted in Norse art?
Valkyries are often depicted as majestic figures with winged helmets and sometimes riding horses.
Can Valkyries be considered heroines in Norse mythology?
Yes, Valkyries are often viewed as heroines, revered for their role in guiding and protecting warriors.
What impact did Viking culture have on modern media?
Viking culture has profoundly influenced modern media, inspiring numerous books, films, and television series about their exploits and mythology.
What were Viking ships like?
Viking ships, known as longships, were highly advanced, designed for speed, and capable of navigating both deep and shallow waters.
Did Vikings have any religious beliefs?
Vikings had a rich tapestry of pagan beliefs centered around gods like Odin, Thor, and Freya.
What are common misconceptions about Valkyries?
A common misconception is that Valkyries are angelic or peaceful figures, whereas they are warriors with a role in the violence of war.
What languages did Vikings speak?
Vikings spoke Old Norse, a North Germanic language from which modern Scandinavian languages are derived.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
