Valhalla | Definition, Myth, & Meaning - Britannica

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• What is Valhalla?
• Why was Valhalla important to the Vikings?

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Ask the Chatbot a Question Also known as: Valhöll Written and fact-checked by Britannica Editors Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree.... Britannica Editors Last updated Nov. 8, 2025 •History Contents Ask the Chatbot a Question

Top Questions

What is Valhalla?

In Norse mythology, Valhalla is the hall of slain warriors, who live there blissfully under the leadership of the god Odin. Valhalla is depicted as a splendid palace where the warriors spend every day feasting on a freshly slaughtered boar, drinking liquor that flows from the udder of a goat, and fighting one another for sport.

What does the word Valhalla mean?

The Old Norse name for Valhalla is Valhöll, a compound noun composed of the words valr, meaning “the fallen,” and höll, meaning “hall.” Valhalla thus means “hall of the fallen.”

Where is Valhalla located?

Valhalla is one of the 12 or more realms into which Asgard, the dwelling place of the gods in Norse mythology, is divided.

Why was Valhalla important to the Vikings?

The idea of an afterlife in Valhalla was a strong motivating force for the Vikings, especially before they went into battle, because only the fallen warriors that the god Odin deemed worthy and brave enough could reach Valhalla. This belief shaped the way Vikings lived their lives and honoured the fallen.

Valhalla, in Norse mythology, the hall of slain warriors, who live there blissfully under the leadership of the god Odin. Valhalla is depicted as a splendid palace, roofed with shields, where the warriors feast on the flesh of a boar slaughtered daily and made whole again each evening. They drink liquor that flows from the udders of a goat, and their sport is to fight one another every day.

Old Norse: Valhöll (Show more) See all related content

Thus they will live until the Ragnarök (Doomsday), when they will march out the 540 doors of the palace to fight at the side of Odin against the giants. When heroes fall in battle it is said that Odin needs them to strengthen his forces for the Ragnarök.

The Editors of Encyclopaedia BritannicaThis article was most recently revised and updated by Michael Ray.