Mistress of the Slain

By many names I am known,
Valfreyja, Sigrdrifa, Hildr,Gunnr and Reginleif are but a few.
Long golden hair flowing in the wind,
eyes of ice-fire blue and fair-skinned.
Adorned in a scarlet mantle and crosslet,
shielded by an ancient chain mail breastplate.
In one hand a barbed shield,
in the other, a long deadly spike.
Effortlessly riding a powerful black steed,
its magnificent mane flowing in the breeze.
Far above feathery, white clouds
in the cerulean morning sky,
my only companion is a jet-black raven.
Wings outstretched gracefully it soars,
with beak open wide.
Accomplishing the will of Odin
Determining the victors of the mêlée
and the outcome of warfare.
Splendid spirit of the afterlife,
the source of a warrior’s imaginings.
A glimpse of me is to die.
Gathering courageous souls of slain vanquishers,
my desire is only the most valiant heroes to journey to Valhalla.

I am a Valkyrie.


Copyright © January 2003 by Catherine M. MacDonald