Oh Valkyrie, Oh corpse goddess
Oh chooser of the slain.
I call on you as your mistress
For it's that time again.
You watch the swords, they rise and fall
As warriors fight and die.
Knowing the task I've set you all
with a chosen few you fly.
Depart from here, those noble souls
Into my hall they stride.
And all the rest, now mere shadows
In Hel's dark realm reside.
Sweet Valkyries, with golden hair
and eyes of darkest blue.
In purest white, even more fair
Give those chosen men their due.
Until Ragnarok, the final battle
this duty you must serve.
Then all my daughters I'll assemble
Our own honor to preserve.
Author notes
I took a Mythology class in High School last year and so I'm searching my memory trying to dredge up the stories. I absolutely LOVE myths and creation stories. Thank you so much for the mind exercise!!
Written April 20th, 2004
In a list
A contest entry
- Loki's Chains by Marzipan.
900 points, ended September 29, 2007, 7 entries
Gold trophy winner
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest
What did you think
Comments
1 - 27 of 27
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I asked all of you for mythology with a twist, and you really socked it to me! I was very impressed by all of your entries, and many of you came up with some really unique and creative material with a different way of applying and perceiving mythology. It was enjoyable reading and I learned a lot from reading all of your fabulous writes. Because there was such an abundance of excellent entries in this contest, it was difficult to decide which ones would be the final winners. I apologize for taking so long to judge. Ultimately, I went with the material that impressed me and stuck with me the most. What had the greatest influence, insight, oversight, ambience and applied the myth/story in a thought-provoking and interesting way. The entries that were still playing through my mind and echoing with fond recollection, long after first reading them, are the ones that I finally decided upon as the winners. Objectivity in judging this contest was not my goal, but how each one of you subjectively influenced and moved me through your write. I re-read all of your writes again before my final judgment and relished it thoroughly. You are all gifted with incredible minds and talent. I wished that I could give more than one trophy in each category because certainly there was more than one that deserved it. All of you deserved an honorable mention, at the very least, and I wished I could do this and more. After the winners, the list is not in order of my favorites but most are in the chronological order as they were entered into the contest. I was glad to comment personally on each one of you. “Heading Towards Hope” - won the gold for me, because it took an uncommon theme in western mythology, deriving the story from eastern mythology, namely Hinduism. The interpretation of this, my favorite Hindu Deity, Ganesh, blew me away, and provided a step forward in my consciousness. I was awed by the profoundness, beauty and humility of this write. While many of your stories moved me deeply, this one actually shifted my consciousness. It contained both meaningful, inspirational and unique applications, written in a purity and sweetness of the heart and soul that is reflected in the words of the poet who wrote it. Gifts of the Faery, Part II I awarded Gifts of the Faery, Part II because it reached deep into my sense of profound honor and respect for Nature and all of Creation. Not only did it express stunning wisdom, but it also reflected an eloquent poetic style of it’s own. It is filled with ancient knowledge and powers that are for the Light and bringing humanity to a higher level of hope for the ultimate transformation of humankind and our Earth Mother! Lemuria's Sacred Contract - Video Slam Not only is this a beautifully written poem but it struck a chord that resonates far within the innermost essence of my being for I have always felt a special connection to Lemuria and long to be reunited with her. This is my hope for all of humanity, for “Lemuria” or the lost continent of Mu, (the motherland), is analogous with Paradise of earth. She was the original motherland of Atlantis and Egypt. They were her colonies. Lemuria sank beneath the ocean in the world‘s last great worldwide cataclysm. Mu existed in the Pacific ocean, and the Pacific islands, Easter Island and the Hawaiian Islands, are all remnants of her. This was over 20,000 years ago. Many believe that she will rise again, at least in the collective heart and soul of all humanity. This poem described my feelings in a way that I could not do much better myself - a twin reflection of my sentiments and my hope for us all of us! The Honorable mentions - I will talk about a few of them. Since I commented on all of your entries, you already know how I reacted to your work, but here are a few of the HM’s that I want to give further “honorable mention to“. I wish that I could do so for all of them, but these stood out the most in my mind. “Kalpa ” won an honorable mention because it reflected an overview of the Cosmos on a grand and astronomical scale. Not only was it eloquently written, but it impressed me with the deeper wisdom and perspective that was reflected therein, by giving one of the most developed and accurate views of the creation of the universe(s) and the dissolution that occurs over and over. It is the Hindu creation myth, that more and more, fits into the most advanced theories of physics and astronomy, (and the Vedic people came to this conclusion thousands of years ago, through spiritual practices!) Orphee's Heartstrings - expressed the pain and suffering of Orpheus so well. wow how in the world did i come up with this??? Very clever imagery and it was refreshingly spontaneous. Sacrifice with Creation - The ancient myth of a god sacrificing himself for the benefit of humanity carried forward to humanity helping humanity! Gasping - Had beautiful imagery and it reflected the tragic fate of both Narcissus and Echo in such a haunting way Lost Messiah - struck a chord with me, because it bravely stated how the most important messages of Jesus have been lost, to love ourselves and one another. I think Jesus is quoted to have said, “…love your neighbor as yourself,” among many other references to love. Another one is, “…love the Lord your God with all your heart…” Lucifer’s Sword - was another really courageous write in that it gave the perspective of the necessity of evil and the role of opposites. Untitled - was fresh and different. I was hoping that someone would write something based on Chinese legend and mythology. It is beautiful, rich, varied and ancient. This was a good job at tackling this creation myth. Poisoned Prophesies - impressed me because it expressed the dilemma of a seer. ..With a flying centaur... An exciting and enchanting poem about a mythological creature with wings taking one everywhere and anywhere in the Universe. The Reflection Looks Back - Was a wonderful interpretation of the Narcissus Myth. Star Garden - Thought-provoking with a lovely play on words. Nyquil Dreams - Because who is to say what is the true reality? "Plus DOCS changent..." - Another great play and twist on the age-old Cinderella story, told from the view point of the Fairy God Mother. Very clever and fun! Rick Rubens, Prometheus - I liked this one because it was clever and portrays modern day fire-givers. I could go on and on - and I wish that I could recap all of the entries which I have read over and relished. You were all great and like I said, you all deserved a trophy; every one of you! Thank you for putting all of your creative minds here in the contest for me to savor. All of you is exquisitely and uniquely talented. Keep writing and thinking because not only are you people good poets, many of you are amazing philosophers as well. That means, that you are seekers of the truth. That is what a philosopher does. Blessings!
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Thank you for sharing this poem. It conjures up such imagery and feeling. I love Norse Mythology also, and don't know as much as I would like to about it. My son really is into it. It has so many amazing stories and beliefs. I just looked up Ragnarok in Wikipedia. Fascinating;
"Odin is devoured by the wolf Fenrir while Surtr brandishes his sword. In the background Thor wields his hammer against the serpent Jörmungandr. The Death of Odin, a Faroese postage stamp. The north portal of the Urnes stave church (11th cent.): "The intertwined snakes and dragons represent the end of the world according to the Norse legend of Ragnarök".[1]In Norse mythology, Ragnarok or Ragnarök ("Fate of the Gods" [2]) is the final battle waged between the Æsir, led by Odin, and the various forces of the giants or Jötnar, including Loki, followed by the destruction of the world and its subsequent rebirth. Not only will most of the gods, giants and monsters involved perish in this apocalyptic conflagration, but almost everything in the universe will be torn asunder and destroyed." -
Nice flow and rhyme, very powerful imagery, beautiful and serene and yet strong, like the valkyries themselves. Great poem, definately worthy of the gold =)
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I have NEVER EVER heard anyone reference Frejya! I mean EVER!
props to you my dear
S2
The Queen
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thank you for entering the contest. this is a great poem and i wish you the best of luck!
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I love myths too. I've got latin (greek no more) at school, and we talk about them much, I even have got a few books with myths ^^
nice poem
I liked it
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This is a great write good work I love it. It should turn out to be a great contest. goodluck
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I absolutely love myth stories as well... feel the thrill of such stories through to my fingertips... ahh for the imagination I had as a child... so envious of your talent, I've only read a couple of your poems, but I have fallen in love with them... you write so beautifully, I will be back to read more
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I truly enjoy "Hel" or as I learned it "Hela" and I have used Her as well in some of my work, so I may be basis (sp) in my comments, either I'll really like it or unfairly dislike it ...however, in this case, there is no question that the bardic spirit lies well within as the poet/poem reveals a seemingly natural knack for story telling...there is a fantastic interplay of the actual meaning of the "printed" word and the usage of tonal, aural patterns that helps deliver an outstanding Orphic-like delivery...it is done so well, in fact, if one allows their "imagination" some freedom, this piece is like listeninging to the deity herself recounting the tale! I had taken Norse mythology in High School and University, but when I took "Old English" as my language requirement for my masters was I soulfully involved with such lore and the very vibrations that their underlying contained throbbing deep inside their very core and seeming outer structures contained...and to this well done piece I hold high in honor my container of honey mead to this poem/poetress and bow!
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You could choose Mythology in High school? that is so unfair! how cool. Anyways, cool poem. I love Valkyrie's so it made the poem all the better.
-Pyro. -
another fan of norse mythology...really enjoyed reading this one...had the look, sound and feel of original myth. best of luck witht the contest
~liz -
::Jumping up and down clapping:: WHOO HOO. this is awesome.. I loved it.. I have suffered from writters block forever.. I couldn't think of ANYTHING to write for this contest.. Your entry is SO cool.. YEAHHHHHHHHH Good luck and keep it up
Faith
Trust
and Pixie Dust
Lilli
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I'm not so much into fantasy poems, but I love the dramatic, enchanting sound this one gives. As an old teacher once said, poems are meant to be read alout, and this one would definetely be a fun one to read.
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Enjoyed reading this write of the valiant woman chosen to collect the mighty warriors for the last fight. I love Norse mythos and I thought you did an excellent job with this write. I wish you luck in the contest and am glad to see another write added to it. Take care.
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wow, you did great job! lol, don't let everyeone confuse you, your poem was dead accurate in the telling of freya/freja/freyja. (so many different interpretations! ahhhh)... Eh, no pun intended, by the way. :-D Lol, anyways, yes! Thanks for enetering! A Great write! :-D I highly enjoyed reading, thanks for entering and good luck in the contest!
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Love the pic & the poem gives due to the grand old warriors. Bravo.
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Well...you already have so many glowing comments, what would a single one of mine do? I must reiterate the fact of my admiration of those who can write things so well about things they have never seen, heard nor felt.
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i'm sure i would really enjoy this poem if i could just understand it. good job though.~ kirsten
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Oi. I feel like I've lost already. u.u;
*claps* lovely poem, and wonderful imagery. Good luck to you! -
hey princessoffire, yes I meant 'Hel' it is the name of the daughter of Loki who rules the underworld. And Echo...it is norse...hahaha...so confused right now. Thank you all for your comments! I truly appreciate it!!
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Amazing...writing about Myths? Man...I'd never thought of that before. I don't know why, because I love them. It just never came across my mind.
They're right...it sounds so mystic and natural. GREAT work. -
I love mythology, and this is so great. Not nessisarily Norse, but it is still beautiful. Very good imagery, consistant ryming, it's all there! Excellent, and good luck with the contest!
^^Echo -
excellent
Nice write..I enjoyed the rhythm in the poem ..Flowing like a river may I add
..It captured the moment of mythical history quite well.Best wishes with the contest and keep up the great work
Lori~ -
Wow really cool!!!! You seem to have a good knowledge of this mythology. I havent got a clue about it but I like to read stuff about it!!!! Well done and good luck in the contest!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Wow really cool!!!! You seem to have a good knowledge of this mythology. I havent got a clue about it but I like to read stuff about it!!!! Well done
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Very good job, but I have a question. Was this a mistake:
In (Hel's) dark realm reside. or was it meant to be (Hell's)?
Thank you for sharing.
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I never figured out how people could write so well about myths and stuff in history that they've never even seen... awesome job keep it up
~Autumn
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