Key Info

- Two Valkyrie who recruit fallen soldiers for Odin's battle with Fenrir during Ragnarök

Brief Bio

In Hákonarmál, Óðinn sends forth the two valkyrjur Gǫndul and Skǫgul to "choose among the kings' kinsmen" and decide who in battle should dwell with Óðinn in Valhǫll. 

A battle rages with great slaughter, and part of the description employs the kenning "Skögul's-stormblast" for "battle". Haakon and his men die in battle, and they see the valkyrja Gǫndul leaning on a spear shaft. Gǫndul comments that "groweth now the gods' following, since Hákon has been with host so goodly bidden home with holy godheads." 

Haakon hears "what the valkyrjur said," and the valkyrjur are described as sitting "high-hearted on horseback," wearing helmets, carrying shields and that the horses wisely bore them. A brief exchange follows between Haakon and the valkyrja Skǫgul:

Hákon said:

"Why didst Geirskogul grudge us victory?

though worthy we were for the gods to grant it?"

Skogul said:

"'Tis owing to us that the issue was won

and your foemen fled."

Skǫgul says that they shall now ride forth to the "green homes of the godheads" to tell Óðinn the king will come to Valhalla. The poem continues, and Haakon becomes a part of the Einherjar in Valhǫll, awaiting to do battle with the monstrous wolf Fenrir.