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Valkyrie

noun
Val·​ky·​rie | \ ˈval-k(ə-)rē How to pronounce Valkyrie (audio) also val-ˈkir-ē How to pronounce Valkyrie (audio) , val-ˈkī-rē How to pronounce Valkyrie (audio) \

Definition of Valkyrie

: any of the maidens of Odin who choose the heroes to be slain in battle and conduct them to Valhalla

First Known Use of Valkyrie

1770, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for Valkyrie

borrowed from German & Old Norse; German Walküre, borrowed from Old Norse valkyrja, going back to Germanic *wala-kuzjōn- (whence Old English wælcyrige "war goddess, sorceress"), from *wala- (whence Old Norse valr "the slain," Old English wæl) + -kuzjōn-, nominal derivative from the base of *keusan- "to choose" (whence Old English cēosan) — more at valhalla, choose

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