The other day we got a letter from school. It
was from the principal informing us that Braden, was nominated by his coach to
be a "Valhalla Viking." (Viewmont high school Vikings) This was a
special recognition of outstanding scholar athletes. We attended a very
small and unassuming ceremony where very few others were honored.
What was not very quiet or unassuming at all was the highly stirring and inspiring words from the principal who shared with us a bit of Viking lore and taught us the mythology of Valhalla. I had no idea.....
Valhalla is where Odin, the one eyed God resides. He keeps his one good eye out for those viking warriors that have uncommon courage and bravery during battle. All Vikings only dream of being worthy to be chosen for Valhalla. It is their entire motivation and source of their drive. I learned that Valkyries -- "Choosers of the fallen" women warriors are the ones that Odin uses to choose who will die or not in battle. These noble maidens bring the dead heroes to the afterlife hall of the slain, Valhalla. They feast all night on the same boar every night and they drink mead and they battle every day in preparation for the great and final battle -- Ragnarok. Talk about Groundhog's Day!! This is why Valhalla has like 588 doors.....so that in one instant thousands of warriors are ready to evacuate the building to do battle. Are you ready for more? Ragnarok consists of a series of battles leading up to one final one where the Gods all die... yep, Odin and even THOR! The whole world submerses in water, Afterwards the earth resurfaces and is all new like and then will be repopulated by two human survivors. (Sounds familiar....)
Pretty good stuff huh? You better believe it. I was "in" deep by now.
He went on to tell us that what defined these particular warriors were that they had to know the secret of the "riddle of steel" in order to enter the halls of Valhalla. "Ah...so, the plot thickens" I said to myself....I felt myself completely being reeled into this Norse mythological madness. "What could be the riddle of the steel?" I thought... Sounds so freakin' cool. Viking steel is now known to be the highest quality sword ever made. Vikings figured out how to use crucible steel along with special techniques to remove the slag and introduce the right amount of carbon to make the "Gucci" of it's day. People tried to do knock-offs and failed. Nothing was stronger or harder. Not every viking had one. Those who did, stood out. These were the ones that Valkyries would pay particular attention to.
They would take a particular viking warrior earlier if they showed particular bravery or unusual strength in battle at a younger age. They would have to tell the secret of the riddle to these warriors before they died so they would be able to give the right pass phrase. So, yes.... as we 8 parents were on the edge of our seats as the principal then shared with these newly selected Valhalla Vikings, the secret. My heart was beating a bit faster and I did feel a few goosies.... The principal delivered big time. (Sorry, will not reveal the secret......)
All fun aside... what was pretty amazing is that despite the window dressing of the mythology, it fit Braden so well. Whittle the story down to the bare essential principles and it stands on it's own legs really well. So, does Braden.
So, if Valhalla needs such warriors, how much more does Heaven need them? More than ever. Braden will always be a Viewmont High Viking from an alumni perspective....... but if Valhalla is anything like Heaven, then he is definitely a Valhalla Viking warrior in the most real sense possible. He is undoubtedly one of Heaven's warriors--chosen from before time, to stand today, to do battle in a world filled with bizarre notions, confusing values, where truth is shrouded in mist and shadow. To defend right.
To those who think they know him.... you will first say what they all say about Braden.... "He is quiet....so quiet." Yes, he is... with words. Just watch as he silences us all with his deafening character and heart. Every right choice he makes is like a Viking sword slashing through this morally tangled world. No one is louder than he. No one is braver, no one is more courageous. You want to find a sword made of pure crucible steel.... I know where one is.... It is in Braden's hand, and heart.
Of all the people I know, there is no one more worthy to bestow the secret of the "riddle of steel" to then -- Braden Valhalla Viking Brown.
..............So, don't take him yet Valkyrie.... wait a bit if you will. Watch this guy go slay, in his own particular way, and see what havoc he wreaks. It will blow you away.....
