Council of Valkyries

Learn about the Council of Valkyries, also known as the Rǫcstóll aff Valkyrs, a hidden location in Midgard in God of War (2018). Discover its backstory and role in the game.

Hey there! So, you've stumbled upon the Council of Valkyries, or as the wise Mimir calls it, the Rǫcstóll aff Valkyrs. This is a pretty cool, hidden spot in Midgard that played a significant role for the Valkyries back in the day, as seen in God of War (2018). Think of it as their private clubhouse, away from Odin's watchful eyes.

Backstory

For ages, the Valkyries were Odin's errand runners, deciding where souls went after death – Valhalla, Fólkvangr, Helheim, or the Lake of Souls. When Odin married Freya, she became their Queen, and they really respected her. But when Odin, being Odin, stripped her powers and banished her to Midgard, the Valkyries were shaken. Some started to doubt the All-Father, especially with his increasingly terrible actions.

These doubting Valkyries created the Rǫcstóll aff Valkyrs as a secret meeting place. Even though they tried to hide, Odin, true to his 'The Allfather Sees All' reputation, found out. He cursed them with magic, forcing them into physical forms and driving them mad. The new Queen, Sigrún, had to lock them away in different realms to keep everyone safe, while she hid herself away in a Realm Tear. This left Helheim a mess, with souls meant for other places piling up and spilling out as Hel-Walkers.

In God of War (2018)

An Unlikely Intervention

As Kratos and Atreus journeyed to spread Faye's ashes, they encountered these magically sealed doors. Turns out, some of these doors held the corrupted Valkyries! After defeating each one, Kratos and Atreus learned more about what happened to them. To really get to the bottom of it and fix things, they needed to reunite the council and face the Queen, Sigrún.

Reuniting the Council

After defeating the eight Valkyries, Kratos and Atreus brought their helms to the Council of Valkyries. Placing the helms on the eight thrones opened up the Realm Tear where Sigrún was hiding. She emerged, and after a tough fight, Kratos defeated her. With all the Valkyries freed from their corrupted forms, Sigrún explained everything and then left to help mend the damage caused by their absence. She blessed Kratos and Atreus before departing.