Nordic symbols played a very important role in Viking culture, from simply representing their faith and beliefs to invoking the power of their gods and striking fear into the hearts of their enemies. The Vikings used their Norse symbolism for a variety of reasons, but as history progresses, if they are not shared, their relevance and meaning eventually erode in the minds of later generations, so we have decided to conduct extensive research and share the meanings behind some of them.
Here we show you the most prominent Nordic symbols and their meanings from the powerful Viking era.
1. Runes (Norse alphabet)
Nordic runes were part of Nordic symbolism and the main form of writing used by the ancient Germanic tribes, or Vikings, as they are popularly known. The word ‘rune’ translates directly to ‘secret’ or ‘letter’. This Nordic symbol known as runes was commonly carved into stones or wood, which explains its angular structure.
For the Vikings, this Norse symbolism was considered more than just letters, but also a representation of the mysteries of the cosmos. It was claimed that Norse runes were used to invoke particular magical powers depending on which runes were used; each rune not only represented a character but also had a particular Norse symbolic meaning.
These symbolic Nordic letters are found in Futharks, which are basically alphabets of all the characters, similar to those in the English alphabet. The power of magic was believed to be deeply rooted in ancient Norse mythology, particularly in the surrounding Norse runes.
Magic was directly related to the runes, which in turn were related to the supernatural forces of the cosmos and their influence on everyday life. Runes were used to alter destiny, which is why the ancient Norse carved them into amulets and structures to invoke their magical powers in one’s life.
The magical qualities of the Norse Runes can be inferred from Odin’s sacrifice, when he hung himself from the Tree of Life and renounced receiving them. Some scholars argue that this symbolizes the transition from normal sight to a more mystical and prophetic view.
2. Valknut (Slayers)
The Valknut (val-knoot) is a Norse symbol made up of three interlocking triangles and is one of the most significant Norse symbols in Norse mythology. “Valknut” translates directly as “knot of slain warriors” and was commonly used to honor the bravery and tenacity of fallen Viking warriors.
The three intertwined triangles of the Valknut were most commonly engraved on gravestones and runestones, usually alongside Odin or animals that represented him, such as the Wolf or the Raven. There has been debate among historians about the origins of the Valknut symbol, and as a result, several theories have emerged. The Valknut is believed to be connected to Odin, the most powerful of all the gods in Norse mythology.
In Norse symbolism, Odin’s Valknut was associated with wisdom, knowledge, ecstasy, poetry, and most relevant to the Valknut, war and the dead. It was believed that anyone who lived an ordinary life would find themselves in a dark abyss after death.
But those who lived a brave life, those who died in glorious combat, would have their souls carried by the Valkyries to Valhalla, where they would feast with Odin until the time came for them to join him once again in the battle of Ragnarok.
It has also been suggested that the nine points of the Valknut symbolize childbirth and that the placement of the symbol on gravestones symbolizes reincarnation and the renewal of the spirit of the fallen. Another theory suggests that the nine points were a representation of the nine realms held by Yggdrasil, the Tree of Life, and that the Valknut was a symbol of faith in Norse doctrines.
3. Helmet of Aegis (AEgishjalmr)
In Norse symbolism, it is also known as the Helm of Awe or Helm of Terror and is believed to be a powerful Norse protective symbol used by the Vikings. The AEgishjalmr was believed to be powerful enough to protect people from illness and disease.
The Norse symbol was commonly worn between the eyes in blood or saliva and was also believed to cause fear and reverence in the wearer’s enemies as soon as they looked at it. The AEgishjalmur was also used to create a sense of self-motivation or fear, and most Viking warriors inscribed it inside their helmets or on the noses of their shields before deploying in battle. It was believed to inspire the wearer and keep them safe at the same time.
In Norse symbolism, the Helm of Awe According to historians, the first mention of the Helm of Awe is in the Edda poems, a collection of Norse poems that give insight into Norse beliefs and mythology.
In modern times, Germanic people and those of Norse descent use this Norse symbol in reverence to their ancestors, as a Norse symbol of protection, or to demonstrate their faith in Asatru (ancient Norse religion). Today, the AEgishjalmur is commonly used in the form of pendants, rings, bracelets, and tattoos.
4. Vegvisir (Viking compass)
The Vegvisir is also known as the runic compass or Viking compass. This Nordic symbol is made up of eight runic sticks and was believed to be primarily a Nordic symbol of guidance and direction. In Norse symbolism, the Vegvisir translates directly as “wayfinder” or “signpost” in Icelandic, and it is believed that the Vikings used it as a compass whenever they sailed in unknown waters.
Although the Vegvisir was labeled a “Viking compass” and has been associated with Viking voyages around the world, the original source of the Nordic symbol is unclear.
5. Triskele (Horns of Odin)
The Triskele, also another Norse symbol known as the Triple Horns of Odin, consists of three intertwined horns, namely Odroerir, Bodn, and Hijo. Today, the horns represent a commitment and faith to the Asatru faith. Historically, however, the triple horns appeared in numerous Norse mythological stories surrounding Odin, as well as in Viking toasting rituals.
The actual details surrounding this Norse symbolism vary, but the consensus is that Odin used his wits to obtain three horns of beer over a period of three days. Odin supposedly stayed with the giantess Gunnlod in her cave and had sex with her for three nights, and in doing so, gained access to her mead.
After the third day, Odin fled in the form of an eagle and returned to Asgard. According to the Poetic Edda, anyone who drank Gunnlod’s mead automatically became a Skald.
6. Triquetra
In Norse symbolism, the word“Triquetra”is also known as the “trinity knot,” and the name “Triquetra” is Latin for “three cornered.” Although the exact origin of the Norse symbol has not been identified, the Triquetra has been found in Indian burial sites dating back 5,000 years.
The Nordic symbol has also been found on Germanic coins since the 8th century and on a variety of ancient objects from northern Europe, from combs to saddle bows. Some of these carvings were simple, while others were complex and detailed.
It is also known that the Triquetra was used by Christians. For example, the Nordic kings of York (now England) used the Nordic symbol on their coins. However, it is likely that these kings reinterpreted the Triquetra, the symbol of Asatru, the ancient Nordic religion, and gave it a Christian perspective after converting.
This is not surprising;after all , St. Patrick merged Christianity with Celtic beliefs after his return to Ireland, centuries after the Viking era ended.
Today, the trinity knot is associated with Norse mythology and has been popularized in the media by television shows such as ‘Charmed’ and in pop culture in the form of pendants, bracelets, rings, and tattoos.
7. Mjolnir
In Norse symbolism, the exact meaning of the word“Mjolnir”in Old Norse is not determined. Some historians believe it has a meaning related to “that which breaks,” while others believe it means “enlightenment,” and still others believe it means “white” (as in the color of enlightenment).
Regardless of the meaning of this Norse symbol, they are all related to the Norse symbolism behind the legendary hammer of Thor, god of thunder. Mjolnir was used to smash giants and monsters who would try to destroy Asgard and the world of men; Thor would use the hammer to crush the skulls of these monsters, and it was believed that the hammer was so strong that it could level mountains.
But aside from destroying giants and monsters, Mjolnir was also used to sanctify people and things. For example, a couple whose marriage was consecrated by Mjolnir was assured fertility and protection from chaos. In fact, Vikings often used Mjolnir as an amulet and engraved it on their homes for divine protection from all kinds of evil.
Even after a large population of the Viking community converted to Christianity, the tradition never ceased, and Viking Christians would wear Mjolnir alongside crosses around their necks.
In modern Nordic symbolism, Mjolnir is used by the neo-pagan faith known as “paganism” in Germany as a Nordic symbol of protection. In addition, people with Viking ancestry still use the Nordic symbol to pay homage to their ancestors or to indicate their subscription to the Asatru faith.
8. Viking axe (Norse weapon)
The axe is the most prominent weapon associated with the Viking era according to Norse symbolism. Historically, every Viking man owned an axe from childhood. Axes were not only used in agriculture and everyday tasks such as cutting wood, but were also used as weapons during raids and battle.
This tool was favored by the Norse due to its ease of use and maneuverability, and over time, the Vikings gained a reputation for their skillful use of the weapon in combat. The axe quickly became a Norse symbol of strength and boldness and struck fear into the hearts of the enemy when they saw it.
A Viking’s axe could mean the difference between life and death for a Viking, and as such, it was always kept in perfect working condition and never more than a few steps away from its owner. Axes were also status symbols, and some Norse people decorated their axes or carved Norse symbols into the flat side of the blade to send a particular message.
Some axes even had inlays of precious metals such as gold and silver, which was a sign of wealth and social status. From splitting wood to construction and combat, the axe was truly a versatile tool for the Vikings. In addition, the Viking axe also represented the tenacity of the Viking ancestors who conquered new worlds and bent them to their will.
9. Yggdrasil
In Norse symbolism, the Yggdrasil tree is perhaps the most difficult Norse symbol to pronounce, but surprisingly it is pronounced simply, “ig-druh-sil.” Yggdrasil is also known as the “Tree of Life” and according to Norse mythology, the cosmos is composed of nine different worlds or realms.
The gods live in Asgard, the giants live in Jotunheim, humans live in Midgard, etc. Connecting all these realms is the Tree of Life; it is the framework that holds the universe together, the source of all life, and all realms rest on its branches and roots. Norse mythology was extremely complex, but the Tree of Life is the family tree that brings it all together.
Perched atop Yggdrasil is an eagle, and the eagle and the dragon are mortal enemies. A squirrel named Ratatosk is believed to relay messages between the two enemies by running up and down the tree, keeping their rivalry perpetually alive.
10. Longships (Viking ships)
Viking longboats were the primary means of transportation for the ancient Norse. In the 1st century, longboats were small in size, but by the 10th century, the boats had become significantly larger and were known as Nordic symbols of terror that struck fear into the hearts of other European communities whenever they docked on their shores. The Vikings would use the boats to explore new lands, pillaging and plundering any communities they encountered on their missions.
Longships had a shallow draft, which gave them the versatility to navigate shallow rivers. They were also quite long, which is how they got their name, being over 150 feet long. However, by the 19th century, longboats had become obsolete and were replaced by larger ships that could carry more goods and merchandise with fewer crew members.
The importance of longboats to the Vikings cannot be underestimated; they were an important part of the Viking way of life, and most of the time, a longboat represented the wealth and personality of its owner. In fact, Viking longboats were so important that most Vikings were buried in them for use in the afterlife.
