Editing Einherjar (section)

===''Heimskringla''===
[[Image:Heimdallr and valkyries by Frølich.jpg|thumb|An illustration of valkyries encountering the god [[Heimdallr]] as they carry a dead man to Valhalla (1906) by [[Lorenz Frølich]]]]
At the end of the ''[[Heimskringla]]'' saga ''[[Hákonar saga góða]]'', the poem ''[[Hákonarmál]]'' (by the 10th century [[skald]] [[Eyvindr skáldaspillir]]) is presented. The saga relates that king [[Haakon I of Norway]] died in battle, and yet though he is Christian, he requests that since he has died "among heathens, then give me such burial place as seems most fitting to you." The saga relates that, shortly after, Haakon died on the same slab of rock that he was born upon, that he was greatly mourned by friend and foe alike, and that his friends moved his body northward to Sæheim in North [[Hordaland]]. Haakon was there buried in a large burial mound in full armor and his finest clothing, yet with no other valuables. Further, "words were spoken over his grave according to the custom of heathen men, and they put him on the way to Valhalla." The poem ''Hákonarmál'' is then provided.<ref name="HOLLANDER124-125">Hollander (2007:124–125).</ref>

In ''Hákonarmál'', Óðinn sends forth the two valkyries Göndul and Skögul to "choose among the kings' kinsmen" and who in battle should dwell with Óðinn in Valhalla. A battle rages with great slaughter. Haakon and his men die in battle, and they see the valkyrie Göndul leaning on a spear shaft. Göndul comments that "groweth now the gods' following, since Hákon has been with host so goodly bidden home with holy godheads." Haakon hears "what the valkyries said," and the valkyries are described as sitting "high-hearted on horseback," wearing helmets, carrying shields and that the horses wisely bore them.<ref name="HOLLANDER125">Hollander (2007:125).</ref> A brief exchange follows between Haakon and the valkyrie Skögul:

{{poemquote|
:''Hákon said:''
'Why didst Geirskogul grudge us victory?
though worthy we were for the gods to grant it?'
:''Skogul said:''
'Tis owing to us that the issue was won
and your foemen fled.'<ref name="HOLLANDER126">Hollander (2007:126).</ref>}}

Skögul says that they shall now ride forth to the "green homes of the godheads" to tell Óðinn that the king will come to Valhalla. In Valhalla, Haakon is greeted by [[Hermóðr]] and [[Bragi]]. Haakon expresses concern that he shall receive Óðinn's hate ([[Lee Hollander]] theorizes this may be due to Haakon's conversion to Christianity from his Norse religion), yet Bragi responds that he is welcome:

{{poemquote|'All einheriar shall swear oaths to thee:
share thou the Æsir's ale, thou enemy-of-earls!
Here within hast thou brethren eight,' said Bragi.<ref name=HOLLANDER126>Hollander (2007:126).</ref>}}