We invite you to discover more about the exciting world of Viking symbols, its meaning and part of its history. These towns were characterized by having great symbols that represented them in many aspects, for example in war, love and protection.
viking symbols
In our article today you can learn a little more about the Viking symbols and their meaning and history. When we talk about Viking symbols, we refer to each of those symbolic representations that were used for many years by the Nordic peoples who lived especially in the northern part of the European continent during the XNUMXth and XNUMXth centuries.
Most of the Viking symbols could be said to be linked to the facts of Norse mythology and its main characters, especially its gods or divine creatures. Today many of the Viking symbols are widely popular as they have been located in remains of the Viking civilization as well as in manuscripts.
Viking symbols are almost always related to the religious aspect, that is, they have a meaning linked to the spiritual area, however we also find others with meanings far from the theme of the gods. Many of these figures were used as amulets to give security to the Vikings. A large part of these symbols have regained fame due to the new neo-pagan religions.
Symbols have played a fundamental role in the history of many ancient peoples. They are a way of representing an aspect of ordinary life or the supernatural world. A good part of these representations were related to magical, religious, protection in war themes, they were even used for love.
Today, the symbols used as ornaments and tattoos continue to retain a magical and aesthetic function of great value. Beyond their intellectual meaning, symbols have a deeper meaning that a more intuitive part of us is capable of detecting.
If the Viking symbols excite you and you want to learn more about their history and meaning, then we invite you to continue reading this interesting article, where we show you the most representative and best-known symbols of all history. So let's get started.
Viking Symbol Meanings
Viking symbols have been part of history, especially of this ancient people who inhabited the northern region of the European continent for many years, where they developed and set their customs and traditions in motion. Despite its high popularity, many people are still unaware of the meaning and history of a large part of these symbols.
Who are the Vikings?
Far from the vision of the Vikings, as a people originating from the Scandinavian peninsula of great warriors and sailors who spread fear in Europe around the XNUMXth century, the Vikings participated in a vision of the world typical of ancient peoples. This is how Manuel Velasco Laguna reviews it in his “Brief history of the Vikings”, an interesting book where the trajectory of the Viking people is discussed.
World view of the Nordic peoples
Like most Norse peoples, before the rise of the great monotheistic religions, the Vikings held a polytheistic pagan or animist outlook. Although it is true that the current of Christianity was responsible for displacing most of the native beliefs of these peoples, some lasted over time and in the popular tradition of the Viking peoples.
The runes in Viking symbology
One of the most common terms that we can find within the Viking towns is about the so-called runes. Do you know what the runes mean in Viking symbology? They are letters that are part of the runic alphabet used by the Nordic peoples for the most part. These alphabets they used mainly to write in the Germanic languages, especially in Scandinavia and the British Isles.
Runes and the Viking alphabet
They were used to a large extent by these peoples during Antiquity and managed to maintain themselves during the Middle Ages. Over the years, the use of runes and the Viking alphabet gradually dissolved, until it was practically reduced only to runic calendars and ornaments in the XNUMXth century.
The Viking Futhark Alphabet
In the Viking alphabet there were many variations and one of them was precisely the Futhark. This variation was mainly used by the inhabitants of the Viking village. Its letters or runes were represented in rounded stones and in other pieces of stone and wood. Today, aside from runic calendars, Viking runes are often used as a method of divination.
It is no secret to anyone that in Nordic symbology, the mysterious Futhark Viking alphabet is considered one of the most mysterious and secretive. This rudimentary-looking alphabet is characterized, among other aspects, by enclosing a large number of secrets that are still unrevealed. Many consider each runic symbol to have a hidden meaning behind its appearance.
The Tapestry of Fate and the Runes
Within Norse mythology we find the presence of several female spirits or Norns who fulfilled various functions within this culture. Among the main responsibilities of these spirits was to weave the tapestries of the destinies of the lives of men and women. The three norns Urd, Skuld and Vernandi are the weavers of the threads of the past, the present and the future.
viking words
If something cannot be doubted, it is the great legacy left by the ancient Vikings, beyond the long years that have passed. Many words in the Futhark alphabet are preserved today. These terms, written in Viking letters, tell us about a people plagued by legends, rituals and gods. Thus we find Hávamál, the book of wisdom attributed to the god Odin, who lived in Valhalla, the palace where the deceased warriors were taken by the Valkyries.
The symbol of the Viking ship: Drakkar
In the culture of the Viking peoples, some terminologies were used to refer to different types of boats. These peoples generally used phrases like Drakkar, LongShip, Knar, and Snekkar to refer to many of their vessels. One of the most popular words was precisely "Drakkar".
The word Drakkar was mainly used to refer to a type of boat. Most agree that this was the most popular and well-known vessel, as it was a warship with a dragon's head prow. It is important to point out that this ship did not only have a military and commercial use.
According to the records, the boat known as the Drakkar was also used in the ritual of the journey to the afterlife. As in other cultures, the deceased were sent to the afterlife in burning ships.
Viking shield symbols
Something that stands out within the culture of the Viking peoples are their shields. These types of implements caught everyone's attention for many reasons, especially for their attractive designs, as we have seen in many television series where Viking shields can be seen.
Viking shields were characterized, among other things, by being round and robust, but at the same time they were light, in addition to their defensive function, they contain great symbolism.
Decoration of the shields with Nordic symbology
The decoration of Viking shields was one of the most striking and attractive aspects of this type of implement. Almost always the shields presented the same decoration. They were usually decorated and painted with bright and vivid colors, and other lighter ones, such as aquamarine, with motifs such as swastikas, triskeles, spirals and crosses.
On some occasions it was possible to see the Viking shields with other types of designs, for example we could see them with animals with stylized shapes such as ravens, eagles, wolves and dragons, which were the animals that were most used to decorate these shields. Runic motifs also abounded on shields.
types of viking shields
There are many types of Viking shields. On the one hand we find the most traditional or well-known, which were the so-called round defensive shields. These used to be usually made of lime or fir wood and had an approximate size between 60 and 70 centimeters. This type of shields used to be used on ships and we find them in funerary trousseaus.
They are the so-called tribute shields with a diameter of 90 centimeters. However, until now it has not been possible to discover why the Vikings, before changing them to kite shields in the XNUMXth century, preferred to opt for the circular shape, which became the most used and popular type of shield in Europe. of this culture.
Round viking shields
Round Viking shields were considered to be one of the most popular and widely used shields by these ancient peoples. It is no secret to anyone that the circle was observed as a way of representing the whole and used in many mandalas. This sense is reinforced by the umbo, or central part of the shield, made of iron and bulky.
The use of colors in round Viking shields was also one of the most representative features of this type of implement. Bright and vivid colors were almost always used, in order to make it easier to identify them during battle and to indicate intentions. Red and black were believed to represent the colors of war, while white was the color of peace.
Thor's Shield Knot
One of the most important and traditional Viking symbols within this culture was precisely Thor's shield knot. We can observe it in different cultures and it is described as a protective symbol that has a solar cross shape. It is believed that it bears similarities to others from cultures as disparate as the Celtic or Chinese.
Viking symbols of war and strength
A characteristic aspect of this people was war. From the beginning they became known as a warlike people, who loved to always go to combat. For that reason, the presence of many Viking symbols related to war and strength should not be at all strange. Viking Lords used to carry a flag (Merki) at the head of their troops.
It is worth clarifying that when the Viking peoples went to battle they did not use the same flag (Merki). Instead they used a special character flag that featured a triangular shape. This flag was known as "La gunnefane", which usually represented a raven, considered to be the bird of Odin.
There were many stories and myths behind the raven. For example, the Vikings believed that if this animal opened its beak and fluttered happily, it meant a good omen. On the contrary, if the raven maintained a motionless posture and did not make any sign, that meant that the war on the part of the Vikings was lost.
The aegishjalmur or ægishjálmur
One of the most important and well-known Viking war symbols that we can find within this culture is the aegishjalmur or ægishjálmur. According to the beliefs of the Vikings, this symbol of strength gave them greater protection and frightened the enemy forces during the time of battle.
When this warrior symbol of Icelandic origin was drawn between the eyes, the person who wore it became a hard element to knock down, it was practically impossible to defeat him in the middle of combat. In addition, this shield made the enemies flee. For that reason, it was also known as the spell or the mask of terror.
The Hraethigaldur and the Ottastafur
In the Viking towns there were many symbols of war that shared a single mission and that was to generate terror and fear among the enemy forces. Among these symbols we find the Hraethigaldur and the Ottastafur, two of the most representative symbols in the combats of the Viking peoples. The soldiers believed that if they carved them on the weapons or on the back of the shield, the enemy was frightened.
The Ygrgugnir, gungnir or terrible spear: Viking symbol of strength
If there is a symbol of power among the Viking peoples, it is precisely this one. It is a representation of Odin's spear. It is believed to be one of the most significant in terms of strength and power. It was usually marked on the tips of spears and spears so that they would always hit the target.
The Gungnir symbol, which represents the spear of the god Odin, was made by the dwarves and given by the god Loki to Odin. One of the strengths of this Viking symbol was to always hit the target and once it did, it returned to the hands of Odin. This power could also be found in Thor's hammer, another of the most important Viking symbols.
The Vegvísir: the Viking compass
Many claim that this symbol had the function of guiding Viking navigators during the storm, so it is said that it was similar to a compass, while others dare to describe it as a magical symbol. Beyond all these hypotheses, the truth is that we are facing one of the most mysterious Viking symbols in history.
As can be seen, this symbol unfolds its arms in all directions like a compass rose, it does not leave anyone who observes it indifferent. It corresponds to a design that is widely present in many peoples throughout the planet, especially in shamanic cultures.
Most likely, the versions that suggest that this symbol was a kind of compass are true. Most dare to say that it served as a guide and that it marks directions to follow. This symbol appears reflected in a book of Icelandic origin, around 1600, specifically the Galdrabók book, a grimoire or magic book.
Many of the axes of this symbol bear a certain similarity to primitive representations of man in very distant cultures such as China, in which they seek to locate man's place between heaven and earth.
Without a doubt, the Vegvísir became the quintessential symbol when sailing. According to many legends, this symbol was almost always written on Viking ships to ensure their future return home. It is important to note that this symbol bears some similarity to another highly influential Viking symbol, specifically the aegishjalmur.
Currently the popularity of this Viking symbol has returned to the fore, especially in the world of tattoos. It symbolizes the straight path and avoids losing the course of life.
Nordic symbols of the Viking gods
Viking gods are widely representative within this culture. Many of the symbols of these peoples are related to their divine creatures or deities, mainly with Odin, considered one of the most important and well-known gods of the Viking peoples. Below we show you some of the Norse symbols of the Viking gods.
Odin's mask
Odin's mask currently has two lines of interpretation:
- Representation of Odin
- nature spirits
1. Representation of Odin
The first line of interpretation of the mask of Odin is that the mask directly represents Odin, the father of the gods of Norse mythology. In general, he can be known by different names, among which Wotan stands out. The physical representation of him makes us imagine that he is a calm and affable being.
They represent him with the appearance of an old man, who has an extensive and elongated beard and a single eye, with a striped cloak and a cane. However, he can be presented in many other completely different ways. In Norse symbology, Odin is described as the god of wisdom and knowledge.
Despite that description, it is also true that Odin has the ability to transform into a god of war and death. In this case, he put on a mask so horrible and ugly that the enemies fled in terror without having to fight.
2. Spirits of nature
The second interpretation given to Odin's mask is a bit more simple and concrete. In this case, it is said that the mask of this god is a symbol that represents the spirits that protect the earth, that is, the landvaettir.
Odin's Symbol: Valknut or Odin's Knot
Many know this symbol under the name "heart of Hrungnir". The heart of the fallen represents the power of Odin over the minds of people, favoring them or leading them to their misfortune. According to the Galdrabook manuscript, it is not advisable to wear this symbol, much less tattoo it, unless you are very sure you want to serve Odin.
Tradition explained that those human beings who decided to carry this symbol usually used to die in a very bloody and violent way. Its three united triangles represent creation in its three levels or worlds.
According to the sites where evidence of this symbol has been found, many say that it can be deduced that it was linked to fighting and death. Each one of the pictorial scenes that this symbol includes are battles or scenarios of a death. Regardless of its meaning, the truth is that it is a symbol that is related to the god of death, Odin.
Thanks to the archaeological remains, the idea that this symbol was used solely for ornamental purposes could be ruled out. It is also important to point out that there are different geometric variations regarding this symbol, however the most common figure consists of three different triangles that intersect. In other cases it is possible to draw this symbol with a single continuous line that intertwines to give birth to three triangles.
Triceps
Just as it happens with the symbol of Odin's knot, in the case of the Triceps, it is represented by three equal elements. In this case, they are three united Inguz runes which have a similarity to a diamond. It corresponds to one of the most traditional and popular Viking symbols of these towns. It is considered a protective symbol, it represents faith in the neopagan religion Ásatrú.
The triple horn of Odin
Among the Viking symbols with the greatest tradition and influence we find the triple horn of Odin, which is described as a symbol directly related to the god Odin and which bears a certain resemblance to the triquetra symbol, mainly due to its triple symmetry. . It is a symbol that is formed by three horns that the Vikings used to drink.
According to Norse mythology, the god Odin persuaded the giant Gunnlod for three nights to give him three sips of the mead contained in the horns. The story goes that Gunnlod agreed to such a request, however Odin took the opportunity to drink the entire content that was inside the horns.
Due to the power given by the mead of poetry, the god Odin turned into an eagle and escaped from Gunnlod. The names of the three horns are Óðrœrir, Boðn and Són. They all contained the mead of poetry that had been deposited by the dwarves Fjalar and Galar. Norse mythology places mead as a symbol of wisdom and poetic inspiration. Anyone who drinks it will be transformed into a wise poet.
The triple horn of Odin symbol appears on the Snoldelev Viking Runestone, a XNUMXth-century stone found in Denmark.
Thor's Hammer: Mjolnir
One of the most emblematic Viking symbols within this culture is the hammer of the god Thor, known as Mjolnir. Thor's hammer alludes to a figure of power because it is considered one of the most fearsome weapons in Norse mythology.
According to mythology, this hammer was made by Brokkr and Eitri to be given to Thor. The possession of the hammer by the god Thor refers to his control over lightning and thunder. This weapon had the power to return to Thor's hands when he threw it.
History indicates that this figure was present for many years, so much so that it could extend to times where Christianity had greater dominance, when the Vikings began to practice the current of Christianity they continued to use the symbol of Mjölnir with ornamental purposes to symbolize strength and protection.
Without a doubt, Thor's hammer, one of the most representative weapons of this god, became one of the most influential and powerful protective symbols of war in Norse mythology. This gift from the dwarves Eitri and Brokkr to Thor returned to the god's hands when cast. He also had the power to control lightning and thunder.
The Ravens Hungin and Munin
Both ravens, both the Hungin and the Munin, appear alongside the god Odin in many Norse representations, making them one of the most influential and popular Viking symbols. Its objective is to inform and alert the God of all existing dangers and threats. Munin symbolizes memory, while Hugin symbolizes thought.
Sleipnir: Odin's horse
The god Odin could be considered one of the most representative of the Viking peoples and one of the elements that most identified him was his eight-legged horse known as Sleipnir. Through this horse, Odin had the ability to move through the eight directions by air or by land. For that reason, he is described as a symbol of protection in travel and wisdom.
The figure of this mysterious horse has been found inscribed on different rocks of Viking origin. According to the beliefs of these peoples, the eight legs of the horse represent its ability to move through the land and the air. It also alludes to the eight directions of a compass, as we mentioned earlier.
Jörmungandr: symbol of the cycles
To speak of the Viking symbols is to refer without a doubt to this representation. Many know it under the name of ouroboros. It is a kind of winged serpent or dragon that bites its own tail and alludes to the cyclical nature of time. The book of the Prose Edda relates that the god Odin threw the monster Jörmungandr into the ocean to avoid danger. It was there that he grew to such a dimension that he was able to surround the entire earth and end up biting his own tail.
Viking protection symbols
Just as there are Viking symbols of war and gods, we can also highlight some symbols that alluded to the theme of protection. Most of these symbols, as their names indicate, were used to protect themselves from certain dangers and had a lot of power and wisdom. Let's review some of the most important ones.
The Gapaldur and the Ginfaxi: Viking signs for the feet
One of the main Viking symbols of protection that is worth noting are two runes named Gapaldur and Ginfaxi. Both runes were engraved on the soles of shoes and were symbols of protection and security. In the case of the Gapaldur, it was placed on the heel of the right shoe, while the Ginfaxi was placed on the toe of the left foot.
Do you know what was the intention behind these Viking symbols of protection? It is said that the main purpose was to try to achieve victory in the traditional Glíma fight. Over time, it became one of the most important and prominent symbols within this culture.
The tree of courage or Vergrdrassil
Another of the most emblematic Viking symbols of protection. It was generally used by those people who had the intention of starting important companies that required a lot of effort and sacrifice. One of the notable differences of this symbol with respect to other cultures was that its illustration was done in black and not in color. mineral jade green as it happened in other towns. Almost always this symbol was placed on the forehead.
Angurgapi viking symbol
The Angurgapi symbol was also considered one of the most important within the culture of the Viking peoples. It was usually found at the bottom of barrels. According to the tradition of these towns, the symbol was placed in that space so that the beer inside would not be stolen.
Vatnahlífir viking symbol
The Viking peoples practically had a symbol for everything. In the case of the Vatnahlífir, it was almost always used when crossing dangerous rivers. It was believed that this symbol provided protection from water. Tradition stipulated that the symbol be tattooed under the right arm.
troll's cross
In the list of Viking symbols of protection, the so-called Troll cross could not be missing, considered one of the greatest representations of these ancient peoples. People who decided to wear this symbol usually did so in order to protect themselves from trolls and elves.
the nine worlds
According to what is indicated in the cosmology of Norse mythology, the universe is divided into nine worlds united by the great Yggdrasil tree. In these different worlds live the different beings of Norse mythology: giants, gods and goddesses among others. Based on the descriptions of the Norse myths, it has been established that the upper realm contains the following worlds:
- Jötunheim or world of the giants.
- Muspelheim, the territory of fire where the fire giants live.
- Niflheim, the kingdom of eternal ice and eleven rivers.
- Asgard, where Odin lives with other gods and goddesses.
- Álfheim, the land of the light elves.
- Vanaheim, the realm of the Vanir seer gods.
- Svartálfaheim, the world of dwarves hidden under rocks and in caves.
- Helheim, the land of the treacherous and murderous gods.
- Midgard, the world located in the center of all, where humans live.
It is important to point out that large and mysterious creatures live in this tree, for example the case of the dragon, which lives at its base and the eagle at the top. The messenger between both worlds is the squirrel Ratatosk.
Yggdrasil
One of the most important Viking symbols is Yggdrasil, known as the giant tree. It is the tree that manages to hold the nine worlds of Norse mythology together. As an important fact we could say that different creatures live in this tree. At the base of the tree lives the dragon Nidhug, while an eagle lives at the top. The Ratatosk squirrel runs between the two extremes carrying messages between the two beings.
It is worth mentioning that the Yggdrasil tree is mentioned in at least two books of the Prose Edda, where Norse mythology is introduced. The meaning of Yggdrasil can be translated as "horse of Odin". This tree has three main roots. One of them reaches Asgard, considered as the world of the gods. Another root crosses the land of the giants, Jötunheim, while the third reaches Nifheim.
Viking symbols of love
Just as war and protection were highly important elements for the Viking peoples, love also played an essential role within the culture of these peoples. Below we show you some of the main and most prominent Viking symbols related to love.
Viking rune of love
Until now, the true meaning of this Viking symbol remains a mystery. Although most say that its meaning at first was love, there are also versions that suggest that it is an invention of the New Age. Beyond this, it is currently presented as the rune of love.
The Viking rune of love is made up of a circle divided in half, forming two extremities. Both extremities allude to the union of two people, with a feeling of love.
love symbols runes
Something that is very clear is that in the Galdrabook, a series of runes appear, used as talismans of love. These runes could often be placed as pendants, although in other cases people also used to engrave them on some object of their loved one.
Viking family symbols and meanings
The family was considered an element of high importance for the Viking peoples. The need to have a good offspring in other times led to the use of many symbols for women to become pregnant. The most mysterious part of the case was that the woman had to consume a piece of cheese after having drawn said symbol on it.
Inguz: Viking symbol "to want is to be able"
This rune linked to the god Ing alludes to the generating power of the earth and the human capacity to provoke life and projects. For this reason, this outstanding Viking symbol is also often called "to want is to be able". It could be considered as one of the most important Viking symbols of love of all time.
Viking symbols of good luck
It is no secret to anyone that good luck has always been part of the culture of the Viking peoples. The people who were part of this community used to have many symbols that they went to when they wanted to get good luck. Although there are many Viking good luck symbols, there are two in particular that stand out. On one side is the Tyrlogsofur and the Kaupaloki.
The Tyrlogsofur
There is knowledge of the existence of many Swedish Viking symbols that were used in other times so that people would do well in trials. One of these symbols was precisely the Tyrlogsofur. It is formed by the TYR runes united at the bottom, giving rise to an inverted Y.
The Kaupaloki
One of the most popular and well-known Viking symbols of good luck was the Kaupaloki. In most cases it was a symbol directly related to the world of business and finance, that is, people used to use it so that their businesses would do well. This symbol also prevented the scam.
Norse Viking Symbol Tattoos
As we have been mentioning so far, the Viking peoples had a series of symbols and elements that represented them in a very special way. In the Galdabook, Viking symbology tattoos are frequently mentioned. Below we show you some of the most important and outstanding.
History teaches us that the use of tattoos was considered one of the most important practices of the Pacific peoples, who used to mark their bodies with different symbols and figures. This same practice began to be used by other peoples, for example the Nordics, who made it popular at the time.
Where were the symbols of Viking amulets tattooed?
The tattoos made by the Vikings could be reflected in different parts of the body according to what tradition indicates. It is believed that noblemen and warriors used to mark different parts of the body with signs present on Viking amulets. These tattoos fulfilled a purpose and that was to protect and obtain certain favors from the divinity.
One thing that is important to note is the placement of Viking tattoos on men and women. Gentlemen almost always preferred to get tattoos on areas of the body such as the head or face, as well as the arms. Norse tattoos of Viking symbols were made there. For their part, women preferred to tattoo their wrists and shoulder area.
Today it is possible to find many of these symbols engraved on personal objects such as a man's wallet. In most cases, people preferred to tattoo many of the Viking symbols that we have described so far, especially the runic symbols, authentic magical symbols of the Viking culture.
favorite viking tattoos
Currently, after the resurgence of interest in runes, the followers of the Norse Viking culture, try to get for their tattoos other pagan Viking drawings and symbols taken from history and legends, in which gods and Valkyries are not lacking. There are some figures that do not go out of style, for example the raven wing, the spiral or the cross.
Taking into account the cultural closeness of two brother towns, these ancient Viking symbols are united with Celtic symbols, such as the triquetra. It is important to point out that in many cases, the meanings that are given to the symbols in the tattoo today do not have the original meaning. Aesthetics and subjectivity prevail over rigor. For that reason, many tattoos are a sign of love or friendship.
Vikings were not Nazis
Before concluding with this interesting and complete article, we have thought it necessary to clarify a very important point and that is that the Vikings were not Nazis, as many have believed. The propagandistic use that the Nazis made of the Nordic Viking symbols does not mean that the Scandinavian peoples used them with the same Nazi propaganda objectives.
Many of the symbols used by the Nazis, for example the swastika or swastika, corresponded to symbols found, in addition to the Nordic culture, in other places such as China, India or Tibet, as a very favorable symbol.
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