The Valknut is also translated as the knots of those who fell in battle. In Norse mythology, one of Odin’s abilities is to guide souls to the afterlife. Odin’s knot, or the Valknut, is a symbol of life, death, and its transition. What is the Viking symbol for Berserker?.What is the Viking symbol for strength?.Odin was a god of war, and ravens feasting on the slain were a common sight on the battlefields of the Viking Age. This is because Ravens are the familiars of Odin, the Allfather. What animal represents Vikings? Ravens may be the animal most associated with the Vikings. The term valknut is derived from the modern era, and the term or terms used to refer to the symbol during its historical employment is unknown. It appears on a variety of objects from the archaeological record of the ancient Germanic peoples. The valknut is a symbol consisting of three interlocked triangles. So that What is the Viking symbol for Valhalla? However, historically, there is only one piece of evidence that mentions them actually being covered in ink. However Did Vikings have tattoos? It is widely considered fact that the Vikings and Northmen in general, were heavily tattooed. The Vikings used the bird symbols in armour and shields to evoke the power of Odin in their battles as well. They are the messengers of Odin and the storytellers for Odin. The trio ( Valknut symbol, wolves, and ravens) often appeared together to symbolize Odin’s presence. The Aegishjalmur (Helm of Awe) is also known as Aegir’s Helmet and is a symbol of protection and power in the form of a circle with eight tridents emanating from its center. The symbol has also been associated with ecstatic Seidr magic, of which Odin was a master.Īlthough, What is the Viking symbol for protection?Īegishjalmur. We may never know its true meaning, but I’m sure you’ll agree that there is something mysterious and almost magical about this intriguing symbol, and I for one am happy to continue its use purely to keep its simplistic beauty alive.The nine points of the triangle have been associated with the nine worlds of Norse mythology, and the three interconnected triangles have been said to reflect the connection between Earth, Heaven and Hell. Others simply believe that the valknut is a symbol for Odin, and as such it can be found on many jewellery items for sale on modern-day pagan websites. Hilda Ellis Davidson (English academic specialising in Germanic history) surmises that the valknut, which is depicted on the Gotland picture stones beneath carvings of Odin, symbolises the god’s power to bind and unbind, which is also mentioned in several poems from the Edda.Īnother academic called Rudolf Simek thinks that the valknut, because of its obvious relevance to death and the afterlife (the symbol is on several burial items found in the Oseberg Longship), may have been used as part of religious practises surrounding death. ![]() There is another symbol called Hrungnishjarta (Hrungnir’s heart), which bears striking resemblance to the valknut. In the Prose Edda, Hrungnir’s heart is described as “made of hard stone with three sharp-pointed corners”. Probably the most famous theory is that which was proposed by experts studying the Skáldskarparmál book (within the Prose Edda, circa 13th century) they believe that the symbol represents the heart of the jötunn Hrungnir, who was slain by Thor and his hammer, mjölnir. In English, its also known as ‘Saint John’s Arms’. ![]() ![]() The word ‘valknut’ is derived from the Norwegian word ‘valknute’, meaning ‘polygon’. – two picture stones found in Gotland, Sweden.įor decades, there has been disputes between archaeologists, Old Norse experts and amateurs alike, and many theories have been put forward pertaining to the valknut’s true meaning. – the Oseberg Tapistry, also found in the Oseberg Longship. – a carving on a wooden bed found inside the infamous Oseberg Longship. – the Nene Valley Ring – an Anglo Saxon gold ring (circa 8th – 9th century). The only discoveries of this symbol to date are depicted on the following: But is it real, or is its assumed meaning false?ĭespite being so widespread, the valknut is actually incredibly rare in terms of archaeological findings. So much so, that I’ve even used it as my photo on this blog. The valknut symbol (pictured below) is a popular symbol amongst Norse pagans/heathens.
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