Aurora boreale - Norway - March 16, 2018.

Aurora boreale - Norway - Spirits of the dead - Aurora boreale on the church of the island of Gims, Lofoten, Norway. March 16, 2018. This photo was taken from a graveyard next to the church in Gymsoy, Lofoten. The location reminded me of some Viking legends involving the Aurora and the spirits of the dead. Odin, the chief god and ruler of Asgard, revered by all Vikings, lived in Valhalla, where he was preparing for Ragnaroek - a series of events that would precipitate the end of the gods and begin the world anew. In Viking legend, Ragnaroek was predestined and would be Odin's greatest battle, so he needed the bravest warriors at his side. During every battle on Earth, Odin would pick the warriors who would die and join him in Valhalla. The Valkyries - female warriors on horseback, who wore armour and carried spears and shields - were tasked with leading Odin's chosen warriors to Valhalla. The Vikings believed the Northern Lights illuminating the sky were the reflections of the Valkyries' armour as they led the warriors to Odin. In some legends, they claim the Aurora was the breath of brave soldiers who died in combat. In other stories, the Aurora was believed to be the 'Bifrost Bridge', a glowing, pulsing arch which led fallen warriors to their final resting place in Valhalla.