Valkyries

‘From Gna’s name a thing is said to tower (gncefa) when it goes
high up. Sol and Bil are reckoned among the Asyniur, but their
characteristics have been mentioned above. There are still others,
whose function it is to wait in Val-hall, serve drink and look after
the tableware and drinking vessels. Thus are they named in
Grimnismal:

Hrist and Mist I desire should bring me a horn, Skeggiold
and Skogul, Hild and Thrud, Hlokk and Herfiotur, Goll
and Geirahod, Randgrid and Radgrid and Reginleif. These
serve ale to the Einheriar.

These are called valkyries. Odin sends them to every battle. They
allot death to men and govern victory. Gunn and Rota and the
youngest norn, called Skuld, always ride to choose who shall be
slain and to govern the killings. Thor’s mother Iord and Vali’s
mother Rind are reckoned among the Asyniur.


- Prose Edda, Gylfaginning