Brynhildr Heroic Tradition

Brynhildr (Old Norse: Brynhildr, also spelled Brynhild or Brünhild) is a prominent figure in Germanic heroic tradition, particularly in the Volsunga Saga and the Nibelungenlied. She is often depicted as a shieldmaiden, a warrior woman, or a valkyrie, depending on the source. In the Volsunga Saga, Brynhildr is a valkyrie who is punished by the god Odin for disobeying his orders and is placed in a tower surrounded by fire, where she is eventually rescued by the hero Sigurd (Siegfried in Germanic tradition). In the Nibelungenlied, she is known as Brünhild and plays a central role in the tragic events that unfold. The name Brynhildr is composed of the elements brún (armor, protective layer) and hildr (battle), translating to "armored woman" or "battle woman." In Hebrew, her name can be transliterated as ברינהילדר. In German, she is known as Brünhild, and in Old English, she appears as Brynhild.