Brynhildr was a fierce shield-maiden and Valkyrie who defied the god Odin by choosing the wrong warrior in battle. As punishment, Odin condemned her to an eternal sleep on a mountain, surrounded by a ring of magical, unyielding fire. She was destined to sleep until a hero brave enough to ride through the flames came to wake her.The hero Sigurd, having recently slain the dragon Fafnir, arrived at the mountain. Riding his enchanted horse, Grani, he charged through the walls of fire, awakened Brynhildr with a kiss, and won her heart.