One of the coolest parts of Norse Mythology are the Valkyries, fearsome female warriors who served the god Odin by guiding those who perished in battle to Valhalla. These epic women have inspired many modern interpretations across film, television, and of course, video games.
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Several video games include some nod to Valkyries, whether through the presence of Valkyrie characters or through a passing reference. From games that focus completely on Valkyries, like the RPG series Valkyrie Profile, to those that include a Valkyrie as a side character, there are a number of incredible representations of these legendary Norse women.
10Thyra (Gauntlet)
One of the first Valkyries introduced into the gaming world was Thyra, the Valkyrie in the Gauntlet series. Theoriginal action game, following a group of four heroes seeking to overcome an evil wizard’s Gauntlet of challenges, released in 1985. Since then, several Gauntlet games have been released, including a remake of the original, each featuring some version of the Valkyrie Thyra.
Fitting for the mythology surrounding Valkyries, Thyra bears a round shield and a spear, and wears a helmet with metal wings. She is a formidable fighter in all of her Gauntlet appearances.
9Hrist (Valkyrie Profile)
Unlike her sisters Lenneth and Silmeria, Hrist has yet to star as a main hero in a Valkyrie Profile game. However, Hrist’s intense approach to her position as a Valkyrie, as well as her character design with dark armor, make her stand out among other gaming Valkyries.
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Hrist primarily serves as an antagonist, a unique use of her Valkyrie position and abilities compared to other games that use them as protagonists. Her journey from a boss to a supporting character makes her one of the most compelling of the Valkyrie Profile series.
8Nora (Valkyrie Elysium)
Valkyrie Elysiumintroduced Nora, whose character design looks angelic and mysterious, an incredible representation of the Valkyrie’s role as a guide for spirits. Beyond a fantastic character design, Nora’s game provides a unique angle on Valkyrie stories in gaming.
Part of the Norse mythology surrounding Valkyries is that they are chosen by Odin. Through Nora, a newly selected Valkyrie, the game gives a clear glimpse into that aspect of Norse lore. The conflict between her human past and Valkyrie present are on full display throughout Valkyrie Elysium, with your choices impacting thegame’s ultimate outcome.
7Sigrun (God Of War)
God of Warcertainly puts an original spin on the Valkyries as a whole, using them as powerful bosses and warriors seeking freedom from Odin’s curse. Among the Valkyries who appear, Sigrun is by far the most intriguing and formidable.
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As Queen of the Valkyries, she is by farthe strongest Valkyrie bossyou face, including the game’s final boss. In God of War: Ragnarok, Sigrun becomes an ally, freed from her curse and seeking to once again serve Freya.
6Gwendolyn (Odin Sphere)
Gwendolyn is the first major character you meet in Odin Sphere and the best character of the game. Odin Sphere is unique in its mixture of different mythologies and legends, including Norse lore with non-Norse myths. Yet Odin plays a large role in the game, and by extension, his daughter Gwendolyn, the Valkyrie Princess, does as well.
Gwendolyn’s story takes many tragic twists as she loses her sister, faces banishment from her kingdom, and marries a man she initially hates. Her complex original story is what makes her such a compelling Valkyrie.
5Rizelea (Trinity Universe)
Rizelea, called “Riz” by her friends, is the Valkyrie protagonist of Trinity Universe, an action-packed fantasy RPG. She is the primary hero of one of your two story path options, the Goddess story, and initially opposed to the other hero, Kanata of the Demon Lord path. Both heroes team up in the end, though, as Kanata will join your party eventually if you’re playing as Rizelea, and vice versa.
Trinity Universe has several memorable and amusing characters, Rizelea certainly among them. She is independent and a fierce fighter, fitting with her role as a Valkyrie.
4Valkyrie Units (Age Of Mythology)
Age of Mythology, one of thegreatest real-time strategy gamesout there, features some aspects of Norse history and mythology in its Age of Mythology, including a nod to the Valkyries. In the PC version of the game, Valkyries serve as a powerful Myth unit. For playing as the Norse civilization, they are an essential part of your army.
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Valkyries’ base stats set them among the strongest myth units in the game, plus they are the Norse civilization’s only healing unit. Age of Mythology does an excellent job introducing Valkyries and using them to their full potential.
3Valkyrie Birds (Valheim)
Valheim, the incredible Viking Agesurvival game, also includes Valkyries, but with a twist. Rather than representing them in their mythological form as armored women, Valkyries in Valheim appear as large raven-like birds. Like the traditional Valkyries, these birds serve Odin by transporting spirits to the afterlife.
While not the typical depiction of a Valkyrie, Valheim’s spin on the myth makes it distinct. Using a raven-like bird, too, also ties these Valkyries to Odin’s lore even more, as ravens also aided him according to Norse mythology.
2Kairi Imahara (Apex Legends)
Season 9 ofApex Legendsintroduced Valkyrie, also known as Kairi Imahara. Valkyrie is one ofthe game’s Legends, though her lore has little connection to the Norse mythology surrounding her name. Instead, her story is entirely unique: she is seeking to become a pilot like her father and avenge his death.
Though Kairi is a largely original depiction of Valkyries, she does share some traits with the Norse myth. The clearest allusion to the Norse inspiration is her jetpack, which resembles wings, like many of the Valkyries were depicted with.
1Valkyrie (Marvel: Ultimate Alliance 3)
Marvel’s Valkyrie usually serves as an ally to Thor and as a warrior of Asgard, in line with Norse myth. Unfortunately, Marvel’s Valkyrie hero has yet to make a playable appearance in a major Marvel video game. However, she does play a role as an ally in Marvel: Ultimate Alliance 3, guiding you in specific parts of the story.
While Valkyrie in this game is depicted as the original comic book version of the character, it would be fun to see Tessa Thompson’s version of the hero play a role in a future Marvel video game.
