Who are the Valkyries in Norse mythology?

In Norse mythology, Valkyries are indeed depicted as supernatural guardian women who serve Odin, the chief god. Their primary role is to choose those who may die and those who may live in battles. The Valkyries guide the souls of fallen warriors to Valhalla, where these warriors prepare for Ragnarok, the end of the world in Norse belief. Their association with battle and fate emphasizes their protective nature over certain individuals, specifically warriors, marking them as significant figures in the realms of life and death.

The other choices, while they depict various aspects of mythological concepts, do not accurately capture the essence of the Valkyries. Deities of harvest would refer to different figures associated with agriculture and fertility, while leaders of the army could apply to various gods and warriors but do not specifically denote the function of the Valkyries. Similarly, spirits of the deceased suggest a broader category that could encompass a range of entities in mythology, but Valkyries are distinct in their active role as choosers and guardians rather than mere spirits.