20 Lesser-Known Female Superheroes

Valkyrie (Image via Marvel)

9. Valkyrie

Valkyrie is no mere mortal. Instead, she’s an Asgardian, a member of the god-like race of aliens that also includes Thor and Loki.

Odin, the head honcho of the Asgardians and Thor’s father, chooses Brunnhilde to lead the Valkyrior. The Valkyrior are essentially the Valkyries of Norse legend, mythical warrior women who escort the souls of worthy warriors to Valhalla. Brunnhilde leads as head of the Valkyrior for centuries, to great acclaim.

For the first few issues surrounding her appearance, Valkyrie’s story aligns with that of Norse legends, especially the Volsunga saga. She protects the warrior Siegmund, who happens to be Thor in mortal form. When Siegmund dies, Valkyrie protects his pregnant lover, Sieglinde.

As punishment, Odin takes her powers and puts her into a trance. Later, Siegfried, child of Siegmund and Sieglinde, wakes her. They fall in love and, naturally, tragedy ensues, Brunnhilde sacrifices herself, Odin steps in to save her, and restores Brunnhilde to her former status as Valkyrie. Oh, and all of this is told by a sentient eyeball that claims it once was part of Odin Allfather himself. Marvel really can’t help adding its own flavor to ancient myth.

At any rate, Valkyrie is the consummate Asgardian warrior. She’s incredibly strong, even more so than her fellow Valkyrior. Her fighting ability is nearly unparalleled. Also, Valkyrie typically works with a gigantic spear and an enchanted sword. Valkyrie has been in various human forms, by choice or enchantment. However, like all comics superheroes, she just keeps coming back for more war and glory.