How Do You Spell OPERATION VALKYRIE?

Pronunciation: [ˌɒpəɹˈe͡ɪʃən vˈalkɪɹi] (IPA)

"Operation Valkyrie" is a term used to describe the failed assassination attempt on Adolf Hitler during World War II. The word "Valkyrie" is spelled /vælˈkɪri/, according to the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). The "v" is pronounced like the English "v," the "a" is pronounced like the "a" in "cat," the "l" sounds like the English "l," the "k" is pronounced like the "k" in "king," and the "i" is pronounced like the "i" in "sit." The final "e" is silent.

Meaning and Definition
Etymology
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OPERATION VALKYRIE Meaning and Definition

  1. Operation Valkyrie refers to a historical event that occurred during World War II, specifically the German resistance's attempt to assassinate Adolf Hitler and overthrow the Nazi regime. The operation was named after the original plan, known as Operation Walküre, which was initially devised as a contingency plan to maintain internal security during a possible breakdown of civil order. However, a group of high-ranking German officers and civilians, disillusioned by Hitler's leadership and devastated by Germany's military position, decided to modify and employ Operation Valkyrie as a means to carry out a coup d'état.

    The plan involved utilizing the German Reserve Army to declare martial law in Berlin after Hitler's assassination while preventing the SS and other loyal Nazi factions from seizing control. The conspirators, led by Colonel Claus von Stauffenberg, intended to replace the Nazi government with a provisional government that would negotiate peace with the Allies. On July 20, 1944, von Stauffenberg planted a bomb during a conference at Hitler's Wolf's Lair headquarters in East Prussia. However, due to a series of unfortunate circumstances and last-minute changes, the assassination attempt failed, and Hitler survived with minor injuries.

    The aftermath of Operation Valkyrie resulted in swift retaliation from the Nazis as they hunted down and executed thousands of individuals connected to the conspiracy. It marked a significant turning point in the war, highlighting the internal resistance against Hitler within Germany and further fueling the Allies' resolve to defeat the Nazi regime. Operation Valkyrie's impact remains significant in historical discussions, emphasizing the courage and sacrifice of those who sought to challenge Hitler's tyranny from within the German military and civilian establishment.

Etymology of OPERATION VALKYRIE

The term "Operation Valkyrie" is derived from two sources: the word "operation" denotes a planned and coordinated military or covert action, while "Valkyrie" refers to figures from Norse mythology.

In Norse mythology, Valkyries were female spirits who served Odin, the king of the gods. They were responsible for selecting and carrying warriors who died in battle to the afterlife, known as Valhalla. Valkyries were associated with death, battle, and the continuation of the warrior spirit.

The connection between the Norse mythological figure and Operation Valkyrie lies in the intentions and goals of the operation. Operation Valkyrie was a code name given to a plot by German military officers to assassinate Adolf Hitler during World War II.