Jacob Grimm states that, though the norns and valkyries are similar in nature, there is a fundamental difference between the two. Grimm states that a can be both norn and a valkyrie, "but their functions are separate and usually the persons. The norns have to pronounce the fatum , they sit on their chairs, or they roam through the country among mortals, fastening their threads. Nowhere is it said that they ride. The valkyrs "ride" to war, decide the issues of fighting, and conduct the fallen to heaven; their riding is like that of heroes and gods".