Valkyrie (Marvel Comics)

Valkyrie
Variant cover of Secret Avengers #3 (July 2010) Art by Mike Deodato
Publication information
Publisher	Marvel Comics
First appearance	Defenders #4 (November 1972)
Created by	Steve Englehart (writer) Sal Buscema (artist)
In-story information
Alter ego	Brunnhilde
Species	Asgardian valkyrie
Team affiliations	Valkyrior Avengers Secret Avengers Defenders
Notable aliases	Bright Battle Sword-Girl Sian Bowen Annabelle Riggs Barbara Norriss
Abilities	Superhuman strength, speed, agility, stamina, reflexes, durability, and longevity Mediumship with the spirits of the dead Regenerative healing factor Mystical teleportation Skilled armed and unarmed combatant

Valkyrie is a superheroine appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by Steve Englehart and Sal Buscema, the character first appeared in Defenders #4 (November 1972).^[1][2] She is based on the Norse mythological figure Brynhildr.^[3] Valkyrie became a mainstay of the superhero team known as the Defenders and a close ally and one-time love interest of the god Thor.

Valkyrie, also known by her Asgardian name Brunnhilde, was selected by Odin to lead his personal unit of shield-maidens, the Valkyrior. Renowned for her prowess in battle, Valkyrie is often accompanied by her winged horse Aragorn and carries the enchanted sword Dragonfang. In the 2010s, Valkyrie became a founding member of the Secret Avengers and co-leader of the Fearless Defenders with Misty Knight. Among Valkyrie's other aliases are Barbara Norris, Samantha Parrington, Sian Bowen and Annabelle Riggs, who all, at one point, hosted her spirit. Samantha Parrington, one of Valkyrie's previous hosts, later received superhuman powers and became a member of the Defenders herself.

Tessa Thompson portrays the character in the Marvel Cinematic Universe films Thor: Ragnarok (2017), Avengers: Endgame (2019), Thor: Love and Thunder (2022), and The Marvels (2023).