This shawl is knit from the center point out. Increases occur between each patterned band to shape the shawl. Motifs include a winged lace motif to represent the Valkyries and a stylized twisted stitch patterned band representing the Web of Wyrd (a feminine noun representing the intertwining of the paths of fate).

You will need approximately 1350 yards of a heavy laceweight or light fingering weight yarn to knit the pattern as written. If substutiting yarns, choose one without much halo to allow the cable and lace patterns to show to better advantage.

Inspiration: Female warriors of Norse legends, these powerful women were often featured in Viking sagas and may have been the inspiration for the Valkyrie. Several burials, including one dating from the 10th century, have unearthed women buried with weapons and shields, but archaeologists feel the evidence is inconclusive to prove that Viking women went into battle as did their male counterparts. In more contemporary literature, the archetype of the powerful woman warrior is found in J.R.R. Tolkien’s Eowyn and the popular TV series, Vikings, in the character of Lagertha.