The 5 Most Important Viking Symbols and Their Meanings
Are you of Norse heritage? Or you’re an amateur enthusiast of Norse mythology?
Either way, you might want to learn about Viking symbols. Doing so will give you a greater insight into the Viking Age and their way of life. Whenever you encounter an engraving or tapestry depicting Viking symbolism, you want to understand what it means.
Do you know what the most important symbols in Viking culture are? If you don’t, then you’re in the right place.
Read on to learn about the five most important Viking symbols and their meanings.
1. The Valknut
The Valknut is a symbol of death and rebirth. They often used it on grave markers to show that the person buried there had died in battle. The Valknut also symbolizes Odin’s role in guiding the souls of the dead to the afterlife.
It has three interlocking triangles symbolizing the three stages of human life: birth, death, and rebirth. It is on a variety of Scandinavian objects, including jewelry, weaponry, and stone carvings.
View this Viking bracelet to see the Viking symbols in jewelry!
2. The Norse Tree of Life
The Norse Tree of Life, The Yggdrasil, symbolizes the cycle of life and death, and the interconnectedness of all things. It was also a reminder that life is always changing.
It is a gigantic tree found at the center of the nine Norse worlds and is the connection between them. It is also the site of Ragnarök, the last battle between the gods and the giants, which will end the current cosmos and give birth to a new one.
3. Thor’s Hammer
The hammer of Thor, Mjölnir, represented strength, power, and protection. Thor was the god of thunder and used his hammer to defeat giants and other enemies of the gods. This made the hammer a symbol of divine power and protection.
4. The Helm of Awe
The Helm of Awe is a strong protective symbol. According to Norse mythology, Odin used it to protect himself from enemies. They also knew it to provide strength and courage in battle.
Viking warriors usually wore it as a necklace or amulet before they went into battle. They believed it instills fear in their enemies and protected the wearer from harm.
5. The Ravens of Odin
The Ravens of Odin represented knowledge, power, and wisdom. The mystical creatures were also said to be the messengers of the gods, and their presence brought good luck and protection.
Five Viking Symbols and Their Meanings
Vikings were a warrior society, so many of their symbols reflect their focus on violence, strength, and power.
The symbols presented in this article–the Valknut, the Norse Tree of Life, Thor’s Hammer, the Helm of Awe, and the Ravens of Odin–are all significant to Viking culture and belief.
If you’re interested in learning more about Viking culture and history, then studying their symbols is a great place to start. Learning about these meaningful Viking symbols can give us a greater understanding of their people and their way of life.
Be sure to explore our site for more facts about Viking culture!
