1) In Norse mythology, the Valkyries are divine maidens who serve Odin, the chief god. They are responsible for selecting warriors worthy of entering Valhalla and escorting them to the afterlife. They are often depicted as powerful and beautiful figures, riding winged horses and wielding spears.

2) The destructive power of cyclones is often attributed to their storm surge, which is a rise in sea level caused by the strong winds and low atmospheric pressure.

3) The world's longest traffic jam occurred in China in 2010 and lasted for 12 days, stretching over 60 miles (97 km).

4) The Treaty of Tordesillas, signed in 1494, divided the newly discovered lands outside of Europe between Spain and Portugal, leading to the colonization of the Americas.