Editing Valhalla (section)

==== ''Gylfaginning'' ====
Valhalla is first mentioned in chapter 2 of the ''Prose Edda'' book ''Gylfaginning'', where it is described partially in [[euhemerized]] form. In the chapter, [[Gylfi|King Gylfi]] sets out to [[Asgard]] in the guise of an old man going by the name of ''Gangleri'' to find the source of the power of the gods.

The narrative states the [[Æsir]] prophesied his arrival and prepared grand illusions for him, so as Gangerli enters the fortress, he sees a hall of such a height, he has trouble seeing over it, and notices the roof of the hall is covered in golden shields, as if they were shingles. Snorri quotes a stanza by the skald [[Þjóðólfr of Hvinir]] (c. 900). As he continues, Gangleri sees a man in the doorway of the hall juggling short swords, and keeping seven in the air simultaneously. Among other things, the man says the hall belongs to his king, and adds he can take Gangleri to the king. Gangleri follows him, and the door closes behind him. All around him, he sees many living areas, and throngs of people, some of which are playing games, some are drinking, and others are fighting with weapons. Gangleri sees three thrones, and three figures sitting upon them: [[High, Just-As-High, and Third|High]] sitting on the lowest throne, [[High, Just-As-High, and Third|Just-As-High]] sitting on the next highest throne, and [[High, Just-As-High, and Third|Third]] sitting on the highest. The man guiding Gangleri tells him High is the king of the hall.<ref name=BYOCK10-11>Byock (2005:10–11).</ref>

In chapter 20, Third states Odin mans Valhalla with the Einherjar: those killed in battle and become Odin's adopted sons.<ref name=BYOCK31>Byock (2005:31).</ref> In chapter 36, High states valkyries serve drinks and see to the tables in Valhalla, and ''Grímnismál'' stanzas 40 to 41 are quoted in reference to this. High continues the valkyries are sent by Odin to every battle; they choose who is to die, and determine victory.<ref name=BYOCK44-45>Byock (2005:44–45).</ref>

In chapter 38, Gangleri says: "You say all men who have fallen in battle from the beginning of the world are now with Odin in Valhalla. With what does he feed them? I should think the crowd there is large." High responds this is indeed true, a huge amount are already in Valhalla, but yet this amount will seem to be too few before "the wolf comes." High describes there are never too many to feed in Valhalla, for they feast from [[Sæhrímnir]] (here described as a boar), and this beast is cooked every day and is again whole every night. ''Grímnismál'' stanza 18 is recounted. Gangleri asks if Odin eats the same food as the Einherjar, and High responds Odin needs nothing to eat—Odin only consumes wine—and he gives his food to his wolves [[Geri and Freki]]. ''Grímnismál'' stanza 19 is recounted. High additionally states, at sunrise, Odin sends his ravens [[Huginn and Muninn]] from Valhalla to fly throughout the entire world, and they return in time for the first meal there.<ref name=BYOCK46-47>Byock (2005:46–47).</ref>

In chapter 39, Gangleri asks about the food and drinks the Einherjar consume, and asks if only water is available there. High replies of course, Valhalla has food and drinks fit for kings and [[Earl|jarls]], for the mead consumed in Valhalla is produced from the udders of the goat Heiðrún, who in turn feeds on the leaves of the "famous tree" Læraðr. The goat produces so much mead in a day, it fills a massive vat large enough for all of the Einherjar in Valhalla to satisfy their thirst from it. High further states the stag Eikþyrnir stands atop Valhalla and chews on the branches of Læraðr. So much moisture drips from his horns, it falls down to the well Hvelgelmir, resulting in numerous rivers.<ref name=BYOCK48>Byock (2005:48).</ref>

In chapter 40, Gangleri muses Valhalla must be quite crowded, to which High responds Valhalla is massive and remains roomy despite the large amount of inhabitants, and then quotes ''Grímnismál'' stanza 23. In chapter 41, Gangleri says Odin seems to be quite a powerful lord, controlling quite a big army, but he wonders how the Einherjar keep busy while they are not drinking. High replies daily, after they dressed and put on their war gear, they go out to the courtyard and battle one-on-one combat for sport. Then, before mealtime, they ride home to Valhalla and drink. High quotes ''[[Vafþrúðnismál]]'' stanza 41. In chapter 42, High describes "right at the beginning, while the gods were settling", they established Asgard, then built Valhalla.<ref name=BYOCK49-50>Byock (2005:49–50).</ref> The death of the god Baldr is recounted in chapter 49, with the [[mistletoe]] used to kill Baldr is described as growing west of Valhalla.<ref name=BYOCK66>Byock (2005:66).</ref>