 In Hákonarmál , Odin sends forth the two valkyries Göndul and Skögul to " choose among the kings ' kinsmen " and who in battle should dwell with Odin in Valhalla . A battle rages with great slaughter , and part of the description employs the kenning " Skögul 's @-@ stormblast " for " battle " . 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 . A brief exchange follows between Haakon and the valkyrie Skögul : 
