Why did the Germans build an earthly branch of Valhalla in Bavaria?
In German-Scandinavian mythology, Valhalla is a heavenly palace in Asgard where valiant warriors who have fallen in battle go. However, there is also an earthly Valhalla – the Hall of Fame, which is located in Bavaria, on the banks of the Danube. This place immortalizes the most outstanding representatives of German culture. The complex is almost two centuries old, but even today it inspires awe in everyone who crosses its threshold.
The idea of creating a Pantheon of German Glory came to the Crown Prince of Bavaria Ludwig I in 1807, during one of the most difficult periods for Germany. After defeats in the Napoleonic Wars, the country found itself under French rule. These events led to the liquidation of the Holy Roman Empire, which had existed for more than a thousand years. The last emperor, Franz II of Habsburg, was forced to abdicate, which became a symbol of national humiliation for the German people.
Ludwig I wanted to inspire his compatriots and prove that the greatness of the German people had not disappeared. He conceived of a memorial complex that would glorify the heroes of the nation. Valhalla was to become a symbol of rebirth and a reminder of past greatness. This project envisaged the perpetuation of outstanding personalities who had made a significant contribution to the development of German culture.
Ludwig originally planned to build Walhalla in Munich, in the English Garden. But after years of deliberation, he chose a more secluded place in nature, so that the architecture would harmonize with the landscape. As a result, Walhalla was erected on the banks of the Danube, 10 kilometers from Regensburg.
The building was designed in the style of the ancient Parthenon. This grand temple is dedicated to the victories and achievements of the German peoples. Construction began on October 18, 1830, on the 17th anniversary of the Battle of the Nations near Leipzig, where Napoleon's army suffered one of its greatest defeats.
The complex was ceremoniously opened 12 years later, in October 1842. On its walls there were already 96 busts and 60 memorial plaques dedicated to those whose faces history has not preserved, but whose names are known to everyone. Valhalla was conceived from the very beginning as a place where there were no differences in gender or class - both men and women, equally worthy of glory, could be immortalized here.
Ludwig I spoke of equality in Valhalla as follows:
For a bust or memorial plaque to appear in Valhalla, at least 20 years must have passed since the death of a person. This condition allows for an objective assessment of their contribution to history. Today, 193 memorial signs are located in Valhalla, of which 19 are dedicated to outstanding women.
Here you can see busts of famous figures of science and art, such as Albert Einstein, Johann Sebastian Bach, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Ludwig van Beethoven. Among them is a bust of Ludwig I of Bavaria himself, whose idea was embodied in this grandiose project. Interestingly, in Walhalla there are also busts of German figures who became famous far beyond Germany.
One of the interesting facts is the presence in the hall of busts of Germans who made a significant contribution to the history of Russia. Among them are Empress Catherine II, Count Diebitsch-Zabalkansky, Field Marshal Minich and Field Marshal Barclay de Tolly. Their activities are inextricably linked with the Russian Empire, but their origin allows them to be considered part of German culture.
Today, Valhalla still plays an important role. It remains not only a symbol of national pride, but also a popular tourist attraction. Tourists from all over the world come to see the majestic structure and honor the memory of great people. The complex reminds that the greatness of a nation lies not only in military victories, but also in the achievements of science, art, and culture.