‘There are still others whose duty it is to serve in Valhalla. They bring drink and see to the table and the ale cups. The Lay of Grimnir names them in the following way:
Hrist and Mist I want to bring me the horn. Skeggjold and Skogul, Hild and Thrud, Hlokk and Herfjotur, Goll and Geirahod, Randgrid and Radgrid, and Reginleif – they bring ale to the Einherjar.
(The Lay of Grimnir. 40–41)
‘These women are called valkyries. They are sent by Odin to every battle, where they choose which men are to die and they determine who has the victory. Gunn and Rota and the youngest norn, named Skuld, always ride to choose the slain and to decide the outcome of a battle.
‘Earth, the mother of Thor, and Rind, the mother of Vali, are counted among the goddesses.