What female warriors choose who dies in battle?

The story behind the answer

Valkyries are Odin’s divine “choosers of the slain” in Norse mythology. On the battlefield they decide who dies and which fallen warriors are worthy of honor, escorting them to Valhalla or to Freyja’s field, Fólkvangr. Their name comes from Old Norse: valr (the slain) + kjósa (to choose), literally “chooser of the fallen,” and they’re often depicted riding swift horses with spears and shining helms.

Don’t confuse them with shieldmaidens (mortal women who fought), banshees (Irish spirits who foretell death), or harpies (Greek bird-women). Memory tip: Valkyries value valor—those who die bravely are chosen.