Definition

1. Noun:
   • (Norse mythology) The hall in which the souls of heroes slain in battle were received by Odin: In Norse mythology, Valhalla is a majestic, enormous hall located in Asgard, ruled over by the god Odin. It is the afterlife destination for warriors who die honorably in combat.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The Viking believed that if he died bravely in battle, he would feast in Valhalla.
  • Valhalla is often depicted as a great hall with a roof made of shields.
  • In the stories, the Valkyries choose which slain warriors are worthy of entering Valhalla.

Advanced Usage

• "a modern Valhalla": Used metaphorically to describe a place, real or conceptual, that is a final resting place or gathering place for honored members of a particular group, especially heroes or pioneers.
  • The national cemetery is seen as a Valhalla for the country's fallen soldiers.
• "reach Valhalla": Used figuratively to mean achieving a state of ultimate honor or rest after a struggle.
  • After a lifetime of defending human rights, he has finally reached his Valhalla.

Variants and Related Words

• Valhall (n): An alternate, less common spelling for Valhalla.
• Valhallaesque (adj): Resembling or characteristic of the grandeur or purpose of Valhalla.
  • The memorial had a Valhallaesque solemnity.

Synonyms

• Elysium (n): (In Greek mythology) The final resting place of the souls of the heroic and the virtuous; often used as a poetic synonym for a paradise.
• Warrior's paradise (n): A descriptive term for a heaven for fighters.

Related Phrases

• Feast in Valhalla: Refers to the eternal reward of the honored dead, who are said to feast and fight daily in preparation for Ragnarok.
  • His only comfort was the thought of feasting in Valhalla with his ancestors.
• Chosen for Valhalla: Describes the selection process by the Valkyries.
  • The poem tells of a king chosen for Valhalla by Odin himself.

Related Idioms

• A ticket to Valhalla: A metaphorical way of saying an action will lead to an honorable death or supreme sacrifice.
  • The soldiers knew the charge was a potential ticket to Valhalla.
• To be in Odin's hall: Another way of saying to be in Valhalla.
  • He fought without fear, eager to be in Odin's hall.

Noun

1. (Norse mythology) the hall in which the souls of heros slain in battle were received by Odin