Valhalla

noun

Val·​hal·​la val-ˈha-lə 

also

väl-ˈhä- 

1

: the great hall in Norse mythology where heroes slain in battle are received

2

: a place of honor, glory, or happiness : heaven

an academic's Valhalla

Did you know?

In Norse mythology, the souls of warriors who died nobly in battle were brought to a magnificent palace, where they spent their days fighting for diversion, immune from lasting injury, and their evenings lustily feasting on freshly killed boar and quaffing the free-flowing mead. In Old Norse, the word for this warrior heaven is Valhǫll (literally, "hall of the slain"); in German, it is Walhalla. English speakers picked up the name as Valhalla in the 18th century. Nowadays, we can use the word figuratively, and induction or admission into a modern-day Valhalla doesn't require passing from this life. It can be a place of honor (a hall of fame, for example) or a place of bliss (as in "an ice cream lover's Valhalla").

Examples of Valhalla in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Since 2012, Wylde has teamed with coffeemaker Death Wish Coffee Co., taking part in the creation of his own Valhalla Java Odinforce Blend, another blank canvas for an artist and entrepreneur willing to create. —Jim Ryan, Forbes, 29 Nov. 2024

May 19 - Xander Schauffele wins the 106th PGA Championship at the Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville, Kentucky. —CNN, 21 Nov. 2024

Rising Australian star Sam Corlett, of Netflix’s Territory and Vikings: Valhalla, is the newest addition to the cast of Headhunters, the surf thriller co-written by and starring Kevin Costner, which also has actors Evan Mock, Chloe East and Daniel Zovatto in the mix. —Matt Grobar, Deadline, 19 Nov. 2024

Mohawk, Chess Club, Flamingo Cantina, Valhalla and 13th Floor were among RRCD venues that received those grants. —Mars Salazar, Austin American-Statesman, 13 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from German and Old Norse; German Walhalla, borrowed from Old Norse Valhǫll, literally, "hall of the slain," from valr "the slain" (akin to Old English wæl "slaughter, the slain" and probably to Latin vulnus "wound") + hǫll "hall"; akin to Old English heall "hall" — more at vulnerable, hall

First Known Use

1768, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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Kids Definition

Valhalla

noun

Val·​hal·​la val-ˈhal-ə 

: the hall of Odin in Norse mythology to which the Valkyries take heroes killed in battle

Etymology

derived from an early Norse word Valhǫll, literally "hall of the slain," from valr "those slain (in battle)" and hǫll "hall"