Viking Symbols: The Meanings of All Norse Emblems
The Viking culture has been widely discussed in recent years... The adventures of Ragnar, Lagertha, and Björn Ironside have inspired many to delve deeper into the meanings and stories behind Viking runes, symbols, and emblems. An incredibly fascinating journey awaits you. Let’s explore the significance of the symbols tattooed on the bodies of men or transformed into talismans – and who knows, perhaps you’ll even consider getting one of these symbols tattooed yourself.
Like many ancient cultures, Viking culture is no exception when it comes to hidden meanings behind symbols – quite the opposite, in fact. While historians don’t always agree on whether the Vikings adorned their bodies with tattoos of these symbols, as with so many traces of their lives and teachings, let us journey together back to the essential Viking symbols...
source: https://mythologis.com/viking-symbols/
Table of Contents:
- Valknut - Odins symbol
- The Horn of Odin
- Thor's hammer, Mjölnir
- The Vegvisir - The Viking Compass
- The Helm of Awe - Aegishjalmr
- Gungnir, Odins Speer
- Hugin & Munin, The Ravens
- Yggdrasil - Tree of Life
- The runes of the Vikings - Futhark
- Svefnthorn Symbol
- Fenrir, The Giant Wolf
- Jormungandr, Nordic Dragon/Serpent
- Viking Boar, Gullinbursti
- Bear, Berserker-Symbol
- The Web of Wyrd
- Dragon Longboat
- Viking Axe
- Triquetra, the Celtic Knot
- Sleipnir, the 8-legged horse of Odin
1. Valknut, the Viking-Symbol of Odin
We begin our exploration of Viking symbols with the Valknut! The Valknut consists of three interlocking triangles associated with the god Odin and serves as a symbol of fallen warriors or those slain in battle.
Each triangle represents a realm, intricately intertwined: Earth, Hell, and Heaven. Historians have discovered numerous Germanic graves adorned with this symbol. Vikings who did not bury their dead used the Valknut as a tribute to brave and esteemed Norse warriors.
In various cultures, it is also known as the "Heart of Hrunger."
2. The Horn of Odin, a Sacred Symbol!
When examining Viking culture, it becomes clear that Odin, the father of all gods, holds a position of great prominence. The Horn of Odin is therefore one of the most recognised Viking symbols.
It was used in many rituals and, according to legend, represents the three drafts of Odhroerir. This symbol was predominantly found on Scandinavian soil!
Learn More about the horn of Odin here
3. Thor's hammer, Mjölnir
Thor is one of the most revered gods in Viking culture. Respected by men and warriors alike, he symbolised strength and protection. Among Viking symbols, Thor's Hammer, also known as Mjolnir, stands out prominently.
Often worn as a talisman, it provides protection to its bearer – a symbol deeply rooted in the heart of Norse heritage!
Here,you can Learn More About Mjolnir, Thor's Hammer
4. The Vegvisir, the Viking Compass
At the heart of Icelandic tradition, the Vegvisir, though not originally created by the Vikings, was embraced by their culture and carried across the Icelandic lands.
With its intersecting lines and symbols, the Vegvisir held a profound meaning: we will never lose our way, even in storms or bad weather, even when the path is unknown...
Here,you can Learn More the Vegvisir Symbol
5. Aegishjalmr/Aegishjalmur, The Helm of Awe
A powerful Viking symbol of physical, mental, and spiritual protection! One of the most potent Norse symbols, still revered today, is the Helm of Awe.
This eight-armed circle, reminiscent of the Vegvisir, is deeply rooted in Viking tradition and culture, symbolising strength and invincibility. As a protector of warriors, the Helm of Awe carries a mysterious dimension even today through its many representations!
Learn More About the Helm of Awe
6. Gungnir, Odin's Spear That Never Misses Its Target
Gungnir derives its name from the Old Icelandic word meaning "to wobble."
It is Odin's magical spear. Once thrown, this weapon never misses its target and cannot be stopped.
According to legend, the god Loki discovered the spear during a visit to the dwarves. Loki then wagered his head with the dwarves, claiming they could not forge weapons more powerful than those they already had.
In response, the dwarves crafted three new weapons, including the hammer Mjolnir. However, Mjolnir’s handle was shortened because Loki, in an attempt to distract the dwarves during their work, transformed himself into a fly.
Learn More about the Spear Gungnir Here
7. Hugin & Munin, The Ravens
Hugin and Munin are two ravens, brothers who have served Odin, the Allfather, since time immemorial and later served his successors. They act as his eyes and ears across the Nine Realms.
Each morning, Odin or his successor sends Hugin and Munin to traverse the Nine Realms of the Asgardian dimension. By nightfall, they return to report what they have seen and heard throughout the day.
The two ravens served Odin for countless years and even centuries, remaining largely excluded from the lives of most Asgardians.
Learm more about Hugin & Munin
8. Yggdrasil, the World Tree or "Tree of Life"
At the heart of Asgard, where the gods and goddesses dwell, stands Yggdrasil. Yggdrasil is the Tree of Life, an evergreen ash whose branches stretch across the nine realms of Norse mythology, reaching up to the heavens. It is supported by three immense roots.
The first root of Yggdrasil lies in Asgard, the home of the gods, next to the well of Urd, where the gods and goddesses hold their daily gatherings.
The second root extends down to Jotunheim, the land of the giants, near the well of Mimir. The third root leads to Niflheim, near the spring of Hvergelmir, where the dragon Nidhug gnaws at one of Yggdrasil’s roots. Nidhug is also infamous for sucking the blood of corpses arriving in Hel.
At the top of Yggdrasil resides an eagle. The eagle and the dragon Nidhug are bitter enemies who harbour intense disdain for each other. A squirrel named Ratatosk spends its days darting up and down the tree.
Ratatatosk does everything in its power to maintain the hostility between the eagle and the dragon. Whenever Nidhug utters a curse or insult about the eagle, Ratatosk scurries to the treetop to relay the message. The eagle, equally unkind in its remarks about Nidhug, keeps the enmity alive. Ratatosk thrives on gossip, ensuring the eagle and the dragon remain eternal foes.
You can click here for learn more about Yggdrasil
9. The Runes of the Vikings - The Magical Futhark
To conclude our exploration of Viking symbols, we cannot overlook the significance of Viking runes.
As a people deeply rooted in esoteric traditions, the Vikings often consulted gods and oracles to prepare for their future, foresee the outcomes of battles, and protect their families and communities.
The rune sets contain numerous symbols, each holding a specific meaning: joy, courage, movement, communication, warriors, and more...
Here, you can Learn everythings about Futhark, viking alphabet, and norse Runes
10. Svefnthorn Symbol
Svefnthorn, Pronounced "SVEFN-thorn" The Svefnthorn appears in several Scandinavian sagas and in folk magic spells that emerged long after the Viking era.
Translated as the "thorn of sleep," the Svefnthorn was used to place an opponent into a deep slumber from which it was difficult to awaken.
Although mentioned multiple times in Norse mythology, the Svefnthorn has been depicted in two entirely different ways, and its precise symbolism remains unknown.
In the Saga of the Volsungs, Odin used a Svefnthorn to place the valkyrie Brynhildr into a sleep from which she could not awaken until the hero Sigurd, brave enough to cross the flames Odin had set around her, reached her.
In the Saga of King Hrolf Kraki, Queen Olof is said to have "stabbed" King Helgi with a Svefnthorn, rendering him unconscious.
In the Saga of Gongu-Hrolf, Vilhjalmr thrust a Svefnthorn into Hrolf's head during the night. He only woke much later when a horse dislodged the thorn by nudging him.
The Svefnthorn is also mentioned in one of the earliest modern Icelandic grimoires, The Ninth Spell in Huld's Manuscript:
"This sign is carved onto oak wood and placed under the head of the one who is to sleep, so they will not awaken before they are removed. The symbol resembles a series of four harpoons."
11. Fenrir, the Giant Wolf
In Norse mythology, some wolves are feared, while others prove to be loyal and useful companions.
This duality creates a sense of mystery and fascination between humans and these creatures, where they are both feared and respected. This unique bond is central to the portrayal of wolves in Scandinavian mythological stories.
Five notable wolves are prominently featured in Viking myths and beliefs:
- Fenrir, the giant, destructive wolf and son of Loki.
- Hati and Skoll, the devourers of celestial bodies.
- Geri and Freki, the two wolves of the god Odin.
12. Jormungandr, Norse Dragon/Serpent
Jormungandr, or Iormungang, was a monstrous sea serpent, a child of Loki and the giantess Angrboda.
It was also called "the Midgard Serpent" (Midgardsormr) or "the mysterious dragon of the North."
Alfadr (Odin) cast it into the sea because a prophecy foretold that Loki's children would decimate the Aesir. Since then, it grew and bit its own tail, encircling the Earth with its mighty coils. When it moved, it caused tidal waves and was believed to help hold the Earth together.
During Ragnarok, Jormungandr will cause a massive tidal wave by rising from the sea to join the giants in battling the Aesir, particularly Thor. Thor will manage to defeat it, but he will collapse after taking no more than nine steps, fatally poisoned by the serpent's venom.
13. Viking Boar, Gullinbursti
Gullinbursti, meaning "Golden Bristles," is a mythical boar in Norse mythology crafted by the dwarves Brokkr and Sindri. Gifted to the god Freyr, Gullinbursti symbolises fertility, strength, and divine power. Its golden bristles glowed, lighting up the darkest paths, and it was said to be faster than any horse, capable of travelling through air and water. Gullinbursti was a revered emblem of Freyr's might and connection to nature's bounty.
14. Bear, Berserker-Symbol
The symbol of the Berserkers, the elite warriors of the Vikings.The bear, a companion to the Vikings.The bear holds a very important place in Norse culture, symbolising strength, courage, and severity.Among the Vikings, there is the polar bear, also called the "Ice Bear," which was considered a noble gift. A young warrior, Ingimund the Elder, presented one to a Viking king and gained great fortune as a result.The bear is also the symbol of the Berserkers, the elite warriors of the Vikings.
15. The Web of Wyrd (Skuld's Net)
The Web of Wyrd: It is the symbol of fate, represented in the form of runes. It was created by the Norns, who wove the destiny of all beings.
16. Longship & Drakkar
The Vikings were inseparably linked to their ships, which were the finest tools of their expansion, sources of wealth and fame.
The Drakkar was a compromise between sailboats and rowing boats.
The Vikings mastered the art of navigation, and the Drakkar was their ultimate weapon. They didn’t say, “I’m sailing in my boat,” but rather, “I’m sailing with my dragon.”
The figurehead held a magical function. The Vikings believed in spirits of the land – supernatural beings that governed a region, river, or coastline.
Their dragon figureheads were designed to scare off these spirits and intimidate the local population.
The appearance of a dragon’s head on the Drakkars, tied to the stories of survivors, left a lasting impression on those attacked by the Vikings, marking the first use of psychological warfare.
17. Viking Axe
The Viking axe is a symbol of the strength and bravery of the Vikings. Viking warriors used it on the battlefield.
It was single-edged, with the underside of the blade shaped like a hook, making it easier to wield.
18. Triquetra, the Celtic Knot
The Triquetra is a Celtic symbol with a very distinctive design.
It consists of three interlocking triangles. The meanings attributed to this charm are as varied as the people who have used it.
Some view the Celtic Triquetra as a Christian representation of the Holy Trinity, while others associate it with the eternal cycle of life, death, and rebirth.
There are even those who identify as neo-pagans and, like the ancient Celts, see the entire universe represented within it.
Indeed, many cultures and religions have regarded the number three as sacred or divine for thousands of years.
For example, a symbol of three interlocking circles, similar to the Celtic Triquetra, has been found on religious statues in India dating back over 5,000 years.
Today, many who identify with the ancient Celts use this lucky symbol to express their connection to this rich culture.
19. Sleipnir, the Eight-Legged Horse of Odin
Sleipnir, "the one who glides," is the steed of the god Óðinn, the chief of the Æsir. Its coat is grey, and it is supported by eight legs. Runes are engraved on its teeth. No other horse is faster than Sleipnir, capable of riding through the air and across the seas.