Valkyrien Lodge #1, Daughters of Norway, Seattle, WA

Valkyrien Logo Valkyrien Lodge #1
Seattle, Washington

Preserving our Norwegian heritage...

Valkyrien Lodge #1 was founded on October 19, 1905, in Seattle, Washington, with a charter from Leif Erikson Lodge #1, then of the Sons of Norway of the Pacific Coast. Valkyrien joined with Embla Lodge #2 of Tacoma, Washington, and Freya Lodge #3 of Spokane, Washington, to form the Grand Lodge of the Daughters of Norway of the Pacific Coast on February 20, 1908.

Valkyrien Lodge was named for the Valkyries of Norse Mythology. At first the Valkyries were the female messengers of Odin, the chief god. Later they were considered to be his warrior maidens, as they rode into battle on horseback to choose the slain. They escorted warriors who died in battle to Valhalla (Odin's castle) and there welcomed them with horns of mead.

Valkyrien Lodge has reached its 100-year Jubilee. It has been an active lodge throughout, participating in the founding of Norse Home, a retirement community on Phinney Ridge in Seattle; the Norwegian Women's Chorus (of Seattle); and the Seventeenth of May Parade Organizing Committee. In July 2006, Valkyrien hosted the very memorable Daughters of Norway Convention held in Lynnwood,Washington.

In recent years the lodge has mainly helped support Norse Home, Barneleikeringen (The Norwegian Children's Dance Group) and the Nordic Heritage Museum, all in Seattle. The lodge has had classes in various types of cooking, Hardangersom (embroidery), and watercolor rosemaling. Some members are taking or have taken languages classes through the Scandinavian Language Institute at Nordic Heritage Museum.

Valkyrien Member In Leif Erickson Parade

Valkyrien Lodge usually meets the first Wednesday of most months at Nordic Heritage Museum or Norse Home in Seattle. In addition there are craft workshops on the second Tuesday of each month at a member's home. For more up-to-date information about the lodge schedule or to join the lodge, contact the lodge.