Heathens (the religion not the insult) to go Odin or Frejya do you have to die on the actual battle field?

Question

Do you think those who have battled would be considered? For example, a modern one, those who have gone to war as a soldier but didn't die. They were injured so that they couldn't fight anymore. Do you think they would still be considered a warrior?

I also ask because there seems to evidence that people would mark themselves with a spear ini order to escape a straw death, but they didn't exactly die in battle.

I dunno pangel. It's also pretty accepted that if you are dedicated to Odin and "mark yourself" that he will accept you. It can get sorta complicated LOL

Would surprise me if he did see in Ymmo. He loves me, he'll keep Hel's lace undies..er...you know what I mean. LOL I was juse randomly thinking of warrors who wounded in battle, modernly more than historically, and they weren't allowed to go back to war. They are warriors! But can't die a warriors death. Random thought. *G*

Answer 1

As far as the spear marking goes that is the case...in fact it is a tradition that is till practiced in modern Asatru. The spear marking is said to be a sign to Odin that the recently deceased was awarior, although they did not perish in battle.

Freyja takes half of all slain warriors to her hall and as far as I can find research wise, she takes exclusively those slain in battle, scouring the battlefields themselves for those she choses. I have not seen any reference modern or ancient that being marked with a weapon was someting that she would take on as a sign that the person was one she could, or should, chose from. As best as I can find spearmarking was used exclusively as a mark for Odin.

Answer 2

Yes, I think they would still be considered. Though injured to the point they can no longer fight, they are still warriors. I don't think it's all cut-n-dry as simply dying in battle, but maintaining a warrior attitude throughout life even though you are not in a physical battle/war. I think it has more to do with How you live your life. For example, look at the movie Saving Private Ryan... the little wimp who was always hiding. He was still "in battle" and if he had died, do you think he would have been chosen to go to either Odin's or Freya's Halls? I wouldn't think so (in my opinion). It seems it has a lot more to do with honor held on the battlefield, rather than just getting killed there. So I assume (I know, dangerous word) that holding that same honor throughout the rest of the a warrior's life would still grant them entrance. Again, my opinion.

Answer 3

LOL not again! ;)
this one must be made a drinking question, I swear!!

The Norsemen didn't appear to have believed so. It seemed a requirement that you died of battle wounds. I can't quote the source (too forgetful), but there's the story about Bjorn Jotunhammer, who was a great, fantastic warrior, but died by poisoning after Loki tricked him. As I understand, his death wasn't honourable so he wouldn't have gone to Valhalla.

Many, often even modern interpretations however claim the opposite. It seems that this is another one of those dilemmas where recons claim one thing and the rest of ppl claim another.

And BTW, when we're talking about this - why is Valhalla so very famed and all, when we all know *who* exactly got the first pick? Wouldn't it be kinda expected that the very cream of warriors would get picked first and end up somewhere else? ;)

Answer 4

Hmm. Well in both cases it is possible to go to Valhalla or to Folkvang without actually being a warrior at all.

There is an account in one of the Eddas or sagas of a woman who swears not to take another drop to drink until she feasts with Freya. ( sorry I cant be more precise with my reference, if you read the whole lot you will come across it!!) Secondly People could be sacrificed to Odin or you could sacrifice yourself to Odin. Normally by hanging. Thus a fair number of the Einherjar is comprised of criminals who have been hung and their souls sent to Odin.

Answer 5

I think that only applies to Valhalla with Odin
you must die on the battlefield

I think that those who do not die on the field go to Freyas Halls to serve her

but you are right , I doubt marking yourself would be acceptable
you would think Odin would know eh ?

Answer 6

Yes

Also, warriors aren't just soldiers. They're anyone who fights. Firefighters, Police Officers, other law enforcers, Soldiers...etc.

Answer 7

I have some family that follow a heathen religion. They believe that to have died with valour is important or to have acted bravely/heroically when facing adversity is valid. We are all given trials and must overcome them.