Valhalla << val HAL uh >> was the great hall of the dead heroes in Scandinavian mythology. The word means Hall of the Slain. Warriors who had died a heroic and fearless death on the battlefield were chosen by Odin, the chief Norse god, to feast with him in Valhalla.
Valhalla had walls of gold and a roof of battle shields. Huge spears held up its ceiling. They were so highly polished that the gleam from them was the only light needed. The 540 doors were so wide that 800 men could enter side by side. The guests sat at long tables. They were brought to Valhalla by the Valkyries, or battle maidens. The Valkyries waited on the tables and served luxurious food.
The heroes rode out to the battlefield to fight every morning. They often wounded each other terribly, but their injuries were healed before they returned to Valhalla for the noonday feast.
