Valkyries have the second highest (unimproved) amount of hit points of the Classical Age myth units, and they are formidable in combat. Furthermore, the Valkyries' special ability is invaluable - they can heal any unit, bringing it slowly back to full hit points. As the Norse lack any other healing units, Valkyries play a crucial role in maintaining the strength of a Norse army. This ability is doubly useful in keeping tough and expensive myth units alive to fight more battles. They also make excellent scouts in the early Classical Age.
Valkyries are best used as Cavalry, taking down fragile ranged units or siege weapons. They can hold their own against many other Myth Units as well, as they deal the highest level of bonus damage to them. Like all Myth Units, they are vulnerable to Heroes.
Mythology[]
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Scientific name -- Homo valkyria Size -- human-sized Diet -- doesn't eat, but drinks mead
The Valkyries were blonde, blue-eyed warrior maidens who assisted Odin by choosing which newly slain warriors would enter Valhalla. Here the chosen would fight each day and feast and drink each night in preparation for Ragnarok, when they would help defend Asgard in the final battle in which the gods would die. The Valkyries rode through the air in glistening armor and helped determine the victor of battles and the course of wars. The Valkyries also served Odin as messengers, and when they rode forth on such errands, their armor would sparkle, causing the strange atmospheric phenomena known as the Northern Lights.
The original Valkyries were Brynhild ("mail of battle"), Sigrun ("victory rune"), Kara, Mist, Skogul ("battle"), Prour ("power"), Herfjotur ("war fetter"), Raogrior ("god's peace"), Gunnr ("battle spear"), Skuld ("she who is becoming"), Sigrdrifa ("victory blizzard"), Svava, Hrist ("the shaker"), Skeggjold ("wearing a war axe"), Hildr ("battle"), Hlokk ("din of battle"), Goll ("battle cry"), Randgrior ("shield of peace"), Reginleif ("heritage of the gods"), Rota ("she who causes turmoil") and Gondul ("enchanted wand" or "Werewolf").
"On all sides saw I Valkyries assemble, Ready to ride to the ranks of the gods; Skuld bore the shield, and Skogul rode next, Guth, Hild, Gondul, and Geirskogul. Of Herjan's maidens the list have ye heard, Valkyries ready to ride o'er the earth." -- The Poetic Edda
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—In-game help section
Gallery[]
Valkyrie in-game
Shieldmaiden Valkyrie in-game
Valkyrie render
Shieldmaiden Valkyrie on Erebus terrain with aurora more visible
Concept art, as seen in the Age of Mythology fan site kit
Concept art, as seen on the Making of Age of Mythology DVD back cover
The aurora still shimmers, even on a fallen Valkyrie's corpse.