Outlander Biography for Annika the 9^th Valkyrie

I am Annika, the 9^th Valkyrie. The number nine has great significance with the Norse:

Odin hangs on a tree Yggdrasill for nine nights with his side pierced by a spear in order to win the wisdom of the dead, he learns 9 songs from a giant that enables him to win the mead of poetry for the gods, his son journeys for nine nights to win back the god Balder from Hel, there are 9 worlds (Asgard, Vanaheim, Alfheim, Midgard, Jotunheim, Nidavellir, Svartalfheim, Hel, and Niffheim). Hence being the 9^th Valkyrie, I was granted special powers and abilities above and beyond the other valkyries.

My mission as a Valkyrie includes helping worthy warriors fight to victory on the battle fields, and to also provide special strategic advice to warriors that are deemed worthy. And after that final battle, to transport these warriors to Valhalla-the ultimate reward. At times I have rescued dying Vikings from sinking Dragon ships. Valhalla is the Norse heaven with five hundred and forty doors. The walls of Valhalla are fashioned of glittering spears bright enough to illuminate the halls. Only the Einheriar (favored chosen warriors fallen in battle) may be brought to Valhalla by the Valkyries riding their steeds across the sky. Once in Valhalla, endless heavenly mead flows along with feasts of other norse specialties. When I put my bloody spear aside, in Valhalla, I also partake in these feasts and mead. Being a warrior does not guarantee a place in Valhalla, only those truly deemed worthy may go there. As a Valkyrie, I am privileged to remain immortal-as long as I do not defy Odin. As the 9^th Valkyrie, I have even more powers granted to me by Odin that are extremely valuable in earthly battle, taking leadership of the Valkyrie, and in Valhalla, as well as the privilege to surpass and continue beyond Ragnarok.

During a brief hiatus from my sacred and demanding Valkyrie duties, I ventured around outside the Norse world to observe other cultures. This worldly tour enabled me to better understand human nature, character and causes of so much conflict among humanity. One specific group stood out as being deemed worthy warriors. A very diverse yet harmonious group that called themselves the "Outlander Mercenaries." As I observed the Outlanders, there were times that I helped them in battle as well. This, of course, was without Odin’s knowledge or permission. During different encounters with these mercenaries I realized that Odin should be informed of their existence so that I can continue to apply special powers when necessary to this group. After all, Brunhilda attempted to defy Odin and she was encircled in a ring of fire with her Valkyrie powers removed. An influential approach was more likely to obtain desirable results. At first, Odin stormed out of Valhalla and stated that Valkyries can only aid true Vikings in battle. I persisted that Odin needed to take a more worldly view for a successful future. I also mentioned that Valhalla would become even more interesting with a more diverse mix of warriors. Furthermore, in preparation for Ragnarok, the varied talents of the Outlanders would certainly help increase the chances of victory. After our lengthy debate, Odin agreed to further evaluate the worthiness issue of non-Vikings. Disguised in traveler’s robes, he observed the Outlanders. Finally, Odin agreed unconditionally that the Outlanders were deemed as worthy warriors not only worthy of Valhalla, but also of special battle enhancements that the 9^th Valkyrie could supply. As a result, I have maintained my unique powers, my leadership of the Valkyries, and the divinity of being the 9^th Valkyrie, while I can still provide the Outlanders with unique strategic plans, help on the battlefields, warn of imminent danger, and in that potentially final battle, transport them to Valhalla.