

Victims (often criminals, or, more often, prisoners of war i.e., warriors captured from opposing armies) were either branded with, painted with, or had inscribed into their flesh the valknut (ON: val- death, sacrifice, slaughter + knut- knot). The Valknut is a Germanic/Scandinavian symbol associated with ritualistic human sacrifice to Odin, the Norse god of war (known as Woden in prehistoric Germania, or Woten in Anglo-Saxon England). Its design is so unique, its look appealing and its meaning to me looks to represent a certain type of connectivity of everything, infinity and immortality. To me the Valknut is one of the most powerful viking symbols. The Valknut symbol modernly can be seen in many artworks around the world, in tattoos and jewelry. While the exact meaning of Valknut is unsure, however it is believed and indicated to symbolise the connectedness of the nine worlds represented in the vikings world.Īnother belief for the Valknut symbol meaning was as a aid for reincarnation, cyclical relationships and in talismans to ward against evil.Ībove – Odin with Sleipnir – Valknuts seen beneath the horse. In many images it can be seen as a representation of Odin and the afterlife. The Valknut is a powerful old Norse viking occult symbol represented by the three interlocking triangles. Whereas the borromean Valknut symbol to the right shows three separate, but still connected triangles showing what appears to be a bond on three levels. The Valknut universal symbol as can be seen below is very unique in that it entwines the three triangles in such a way that it is very similar to a symbol of infinity. Each one can be seen in stone artwork, historic documents or even on old norse weapons. I’ve also written a popular list of The 10 Best Norse Mythology Books, which you’ll probably find helpful in your pursuit.Two main formations of Valknut can be seen in History : either as Borromean (to the right below), or unicursal (to the left below). Looking for more great information on Norse mythology and religion? While this site provides the ultimate online introduction to the topic, my book The Viking Spirit provides the ultimate introduction to Norse mythology and religion period. And no, “It looks kinda Norse-y and some New Age website says it’s the ‘Norse symbol for love’” is not evidence. Those kinds of symbols greatly outnumber genuinely Norse ones. How can you tell the difference between truly Norse symbols and the countless “Norse-flavored” symbols? Simple: is there any concrete evidence that the symbol in question dates from the Viking Age or earlier? If not, one can reasonably assume that it’s a pseudo-Norse symbol that somebody came up with in the Middle Ages or modern times. Just about any other so-called “Norse symbol” out there doesn’t date from the Viking Age or earlier, and is therefore not authentically Norse. The Vegvisir, a symbol from an early modern Icelandic magical manuscript (and therefore not necessarily a truly “Norse” symbol), which was supposed to help with finding one’s way when lost. The Svefnthorn, a symbol that could put someone into a long, deep sleep. The Helm of Awe, a symbol of protection and might, but in a darker and more individualistic sense than Thor’s Hammer. The Valknut, a symbol associated with death, the transition from life to death, and Odin. This article covers both its original usage and meaning and its later, tragic appropriation by the Nazis. The Swastika or sunwheel, a symbol of luck, holiness, power, prosperity, and the sky. Thor’s Hammer, a symbol of protection, strength, consecration, and the integrity of custom and tradition.
VALKNUT SYMBOLS FULL
In addition to the runes, the pre-Christian mythology and religion of the Norse and other Germanic peoples were full of intriguing and powerful symbols. Book Review: Neil Price’s The Viking Way: Magic and Mind in Late Iron Age Scandinavia.Who Were the Indo-Europeans and Why Do They Matter?.The Swastika – Its Ancient Origins and Modern (Mis)use.
VALKNUT SYMBOLS HOW TO
The Old Norse Language and How to Learn It.The 10 Best Advanced Norse Mythology Books.

