Apsaras, Nymphs and Valkyries

Even in cultures where male deities are in paramount positions, there are always lesser female deities in the background; almost like a band of celestial executive assistants. In Christianity, the various angels are frequently female, or at least depicted as strangely androgynous males.

In Norse religion, the Valkyries performed the task of deciding who should live or die on the battle field; and conveying the dead to the halls of Valhalla. Once in Valhalla, their job was to provide the fallen heroes with food and drink.. and possibly companionship??… while they awaited the time of the Ragnarok.

The Valkyries are often associated with (or conflated with) the Norns,  numerous female entities who rule the fates of the various Norse races; somewhat like an advisory council to the Gods.

In Greek mythology, nymphs were any member of a large class of mythological entities in human female form; often associated with elements of the landscape or nature – rivers, springs and trees being the most common manifestations.

Meanwhile in India, female spirits of the clouds and waters are known as apsaras, and are often connected to fertility rituals. They are said to be good dancers, and similarly to Norse valkyries, one of their responsibilities is to act as the caretakers of the fallen heroes.