Valkyries

The story of the Valkyries (Choosers of the Slain) is based on Norse mythology which portrays the Valkyries, daughters of Odin, as beautiful female warriors who decide the fate of those who have died in battle. The most famous citation of the Valkyries is Die Walküre, an opera by Richard Wagner where the familiar Ride of the Valkyries is performed in Act III.

Mounted upon horses and armed with helmets and swords, the Valkyries hover over the battlefields where they choose the most heroic of those have died in battle. They then transport these fallen heroes, called the Einherjar, to Valhalla, the afterlife hall of the slain. In Valhalla, the Einherjar train and wait until it is time for them to fight by the side of Odin at Ragnarok, the preordained battle at the end of the world.

Brynhildr, Göll, Göndul, Gudr, Gunn, Herfjoturr, Hildr, Hladgunnr, Hlokk, Hrist, Sigrdrifa, Sigrún, and Svafa are some of the most famous of the Valkyries.

There are many more legends surrounding the Valkyries. Some say they often take the form of ravens soaring through the air, scavenging for souls. Others say they take the form of beautiful white swans. Still others claim that when the Valkyries ride forth on their errands for Odin, the flashing from their swords causes the strange flickering light that is known as "Aurora Borealis" (Northern Lights).

VALKYRIES was created to honor the 200th Anniversary of Richard Wagner (1813-2013).

Limited Edition 7 — 20"H x 40"W x 17"D — Pre-Cast Price $15,000

Valkyries

VALKYRIES as viewed from the right side.

Please Note:

- Various colors of clay in model have no significance, just that different types of clay were used.

- Some warriors in model have swords, while others only show armature wire.

(they will be replaced with swords in the casting process)

- All of the armature posts, wood blocks, etc. will disappear in casting process.

-Though not seen in model, Valkyries in the form of a raven and a swan will be added when cast.

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Valkyries

Closeup of Brünnhilde, the lead warrior.

Valkyries

Warrior on left side, close behind Brünnhilde.

She is swooping down with a noose to snare one of the men fallen in battle.

Valkyries

Warrior on the left side, second from back of the group.

The wire in her hand will be replaced with one of the swords.

Valkyries

VALKYRIES as viewed from the front - the seventh Valkyrie had not been added yet.

Valkyries

VALKYRIES as viewed from the left - the seventh Valkyrie had not been added yet.