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Viking-Norse Mythology Symbols; What You Need To Know
A symbol is a picture or object which signifies a non-figurative concept, often having to do with one's spiritual beliefs. Every society, from the most prehistoric to the current, has used symbols to make the abstract tangible and noticeable. And they have to guarantee that a higher power is observant in and understanding the skirmishes of human beings.
The symbols used in Norse mythology had to do not merely with paranormal entities but likewise with the tests of daily life. And they are also concerned with the secrecy of what loomed after death. Some of these symbols can certainly be courted to the Viking Age (c. 790 - c. 1100 CE) but were engaged much earlier. Additional symbols were fostered later (between c. 1100 - c. 1300) after Christianity had proven itself in Scandinavia.
If you're interested in Viking jewelry, it's imperative to know the meanings and connotations of the symbols. They can bring power, wealth and peace to you.
Viking-Norse Mythology Symbols
Many influential symbols from the Norse-Viking period fluctuated from the wolf (for defense) to the horse (defense in travel). Coupled with the troll cross (a talisman that sheltered one from trolls), the image of the Vegvisir ('way guide', a late Icelandic symbol that aided one in discovering one's way) and the Web of Wyrd (web of fate), in addition to the runes which were supposed to induce spiritual powers. Let's have a look at some of the most famous ones...
Vegvisir
Extensively associated with Aegishjalmr or occasionally even mistaken with it on account of the resemblance between the two, the Vegvisir is a Viking symbol encompassed by rune staves.
The Vegvisir, otherwise known as the Viking compass/Nordic compass or the runic compass, is supposed to offer direction for a person who may lose or has lost his way. It would similarly be sketched on Viking ships before they were put out to sea to safeguard they would return home safe and sound.
But, there is a misconception about the foundation of the symbol and whether or not it is a real symbol received from the Viking Age as insufficient sources are stating it.
Valknut
The Valknut (Odin's Knot) represents the changeover between life and death. And, as stated by Davidson, " it is supposed to represent the power of the God in binding and unbinding" (Gods and Myths, 147). Among Odin's countless mystical characteristics is his part as psych pomp. It is a figure who directs the souls of the dead to the hereafter. The symbol's name is typically interpreted as "loops of those fallen in battle". And it suggests warriors congregated by Odin's Valkyries from the battleground and transported to Valhalla.
The symbol is repeatedly related to that of Hrungnir's Heart (the heart of a giant beaten by Thor and was constructed of stone and jagged at three corners). And It is comparable, but researchers carry on to discuss whether the two are identical. Davidson records that "symbols similar to [the Valknut] of Odin are seen alongside figures of the horse and the wolf on evident cremation urns from initial heathen graveyards in East Anglia" (Gods and Myths, 147).
As the horse, the wolf, and death are all related to Odin, understanding the Valknut as a symbol of the defensive passageway from one dimension to the next is accurate. But there needs to be an overall scholarly agreement on this.
Sun Wheel
The swastika symbol is inappropriately associated chiefly with the Nazi Party of Germany in the mid-20th century. The Sun Wheel is an antique symbol of control, sanctity, affluence, continuity, windfall, and fire (the life force). And it appears in the iconography of countless dissimilar cultures and faiths globally. In Norse religion, it was related to the sky-god Thor. It was often imprinted on objects to instill them with holiness or just luck.
The image of the wheel, or the sun-wheel – thoroughly related to the swastika – represented the sky and its association with the earth. In Norse religion, the wheel/ swastika became progressively related to Thor. And it was worn as a talisman and imprinted on gravestones as a sign of steadiness and luck.
Ægishjálmr (Helm of Awe)
The Ægishjálmr, Helm of Awe, is an enchanted Icelandic sign of protection and triumph. The Helm of Awe is stated in more than a few Eddic poems as being utilized by soldiers and dragons. The symbol itself endures from future Icelandic grimoires (books of magic), confined well after the Viking Age but from a continuous knowledgeable lineage to rowing sea Vikings of previous times. The word “helm” means defensive covering (i.e., headdress).
It is also known as Aegir's Helmet and is a symbol of protection and control in the shape of a circle with eight tridents stemming from its midpoint. Whosoever saw the Aegishjalmur was stationary with fear and could be easily beaten. The name is typically interpreted as "frightening headdress". It could have been imprinted on helmets or artillery.
Yggdrasil - Tree of Life
The picture of the World Tree arises in the mythology of numerous prehistoric cultures as a sign of association between all things and the recurring nature of life. It is denoted as: ‘nothing ever lastly dies, everything is continually in a state of never-ending – and natural – change’. Yggdrasil is one of the most influential symbols in the Norse tradition. And it is said to rest at the center of the domains of gods and menfolk.
Triple Horn of Odin
Another symbol of the great Norse God Odin is the Triple Horn. The symbol consists of three interlocked drinking horns, and is commonly worn or displayed as a sign of commitment to the modern Asatru faith. The horns figure in the mythological stories of Odin and are recalled in traditional Norse toasting rituals. In Norse mythology there are some tales describing God’s quest for the Odhroerir, a magical mead brewed from the blood of the wise god Kvasir. It signifies Odin's quest to attain magic mead, and the three draughts he was able to procure over the course of three days.
Runes (Norse Alphabet)
In the most rudimentary sense, Runes were letters, but the word rune also derives from the term for ‘secret’. Runes are related to the god Odin, who first revealed them (at pronounced pain and exertion) in the Well of Destiny from the foot of Yggdrasil. Runes likewise had specifically enchanted purposes. And they were etched on amulets, jewels, beads, and protections to ensure safety and triumph.
The Web Of Wyrd (Skuld’s Net)
The web of Wyrd is one of the most magical and sacred Viking symbols. This was mainly because the web of wyrd was mainly associated with destiny and fate. In Norse mythology the concept of fate is reflected by the Web of Wyrd that is created by the Norns who were known as ‘Shapers of Destiny. The Norns were goddesses who ruled the fates of people, determined the destinies and lifespans of individuals.
Conclusion
These symbols and the numerous others utilized by the Norse and Vikings in everyday life held the same position as any spiritual iconography for supporters in the contemporary day. You can find an extensive range of Viking jewelry at our shop. It is indispensable to distinguish their meaning, as each charm they wore had an important and exclusive purpose!
