This article explores various symbols and their meanings found in Norse mythology, including Odin’s spear Gungnir, his ravens Huginn and Muninn, the mythical world tree Yggdrasil, protection talismans like the Troll Cross and runic compass Vegvisir, and how they reflect ancient Scandinavian beliefs.
Mjolnir
Mjolnir means “lightning” in Old Norse, and Thor’s hammer symbolizes the strength and power of the god of thunder. Thor is one of the most prominent figures in Norse mythology. He is the son of Odin and Fjorgyn, the Earth goddess.
Thor’s hammer, Mjolnir, is described in Norse mythology as one of the most fearsome weapons, able to level mountains with its strikes.
Mjolnir is a magical weapon that always returns to Thor’s hand when he throws it. Wearing the image of Thor’s hammer was a popular protective charm, as it was perhaps the most ubiquitous symbol among pagan Vikings. Even during the Christian period after 1000 AD, Vikings wore depictions of Thor’s Mjolnir around their necks similar to how they wore crosses, as a symbol of their heritage and faith.
Overall, Thor’s mystical hammer Mjolnir represents the power and authority of the god of thunder in Norse mythology, and its image was an iconic symbol of strength for pagan Scandinavians.
Yggdrasil
In Norse mythology, Yggdrasil is a gigantic mythical tree that contains the Nine Worlds within it.
At the top of Yggdrasil sits an eagle, and at the bottom is a dragon named Nidhug. The two hate each other and are enemies. The Nine Worlds are guarded by the serpent Jormungandr. Yggdrasil is one of many mythical axes mundi that exist across human cultures, and is home to many beings.
Images of Yggdrasil appear on the famous Överhogdal tapestry from 1066 CE, depicting events of Ragnarok and the destruction of the gods.
Yggdrasil connects the various mythical realms together, including Asgard, Midgard, and Niflheim. It is depicted as the central axis of a cosmogony upon which the different worlds reside. According to Norse legends, Yggdrasil is a great ash tree that reaches high into the heavens and has its roots deep into underground wells. It plays an important role in Norse cosmology as the interconnecting world tree.
Valknut (Slain Warrior’s Knot)
The Valknut symbol is believed to represent slain warriors. The name “Valknut” comes from the Old Norse words “valr” meaning slain warriors and “knut” meaning knot. This symbol is associated with the god Odin in Norse mythology. Odin was not only the king of all Norse gods but also the god of war and the god of the dead.
The Valknut symbol consists of three interlocked triangles. In many cultures, the number three holds significance and can symbolize:
- The three stages of the universe: Creation, Preservation and Destruction
- The three realms of existence: Heaven, Earth and Hell
- The Holy Trinity of Father, Son and Holy Spirit
- The three basic elements of air, water and fire
- The three stages of time: Past, Present and Future
- The concepts of Body, Mind and Soul
The number three also held important meaning in Norse mythology. It represents the three Norns – Urd (Fate), Verdani (Being) and Skuld (What Shall Be) – who together wove the threads of fate describing events involving the gods, giants and dwarves.
Three may also reference the three roots of the world tree Yggdrasil, one leading to Asgard the home of the gods, one to Jotunheim the land of giants, and the last to Niflheim the underworld.
The nine points of the three interlocked triangles symbolize the Nine Worlds of Norse mythology and the cycle of life. Overall, the Valknut carries symbolic meaning relating to mortality, fate, and the cosmic order in Norse beliefs.
Helm of Awe
The Helm of Awe was one of the most powerful protective symbols used by the Vikings, not only to safeguard against illness but also to promote morale for those suffering from depression or anxiety.
According to Norse mythology, it was said that marking the Helm of Awe symbol between the eyes could strike fear into enemies and protect against abuse of power. The Vikings believed that tattooing this symbol on the forehead would invoke awe and respect in those facing the wearer in battle.
Not only did the Helm of Awe provide spiritual protection for Vikings, but its intimidating design was thought to frighten opponents and give the wearer an edge in confrontations. Beyond war, the symbol also offered security and strength against curses, fears and uncertainties of life during turbulent times. Overall, the Helm of Awe was a iconic visual charm meant to empower its bearer with boldness, command authority over others, and keep misfortune at bay.
Huginn and Muninn – The Thought and Memory Ravens
Among the Aesir gods of Norse mythology, the supreme deity Odin is often depicted sitting majestically on his high seat Hlidskjalf in Asgard, the home of the gods.
Hugin is said to represent ‘Memory’, while Munin personifies ‘Thought’. Every day, Odin would send them out to fly through the worlds seeking important news and events. From Hlidskjalf, Odin would survey the worlds and be fully briefed on the reports of what was happening in the Nine Realms by the ravens. In the evening, Hugin and Munin would return to Odin’s shoulders and during the feast in Valhalla, they would whisper all that they had heard into his ear.
It was believed that nothing could happen in the Nine Realms without Odin and his ravens taking note. Their wisdom and vision allowed Odin to rule from on high as the all-knowing leader of gods. Huginn and Muninn embodied Odin’s cognitive powers and served as his eyes and ears across the cosmos, ensuring the administration of his divine realm. They played an integral role in the mythology as the shamanic birds who brought knowledge to their lord.
Web of Wyrd (Skuld’s Net) – The Vikings’ Fate Matrix
In Norse mythology, the concept of fate is reflected in the symbol of the Web of Wyrd, created by the Norns who were known as “shapers of destiny.” The Norns were goddesses who ruled over human destiny and could determine one’s fate and lifespan.
With its nine points, the Web of Wyrd was a matrix of destiny representing the events of the past, present and future in a person’s life. Norse people believed that everything we do in life impacts future events and therefore all timeframes – past, present and future – were interconnected.
Similar to the concept of karma, one’s personal web was woven based on their choices and actions. The interlacing strings symbolized how each decision made reverberates outward, for better or worse, creating complex patterns that determine the ups and downs of destiny. It served as a reminder of both individual responsibility and humankind’s shared role within the greater cosmic order predetermined by the Fates. Carrying the Web of Wyrd as a protective symbol affirmed one’s acceptance of life’s unpredictable design.
Troll Cross – A Symbol of Protection Against Trolls and Elves
The Troll Cross is a type of protective charm made of an iron circle with a crossbar below forming an ovalic rune shape. It was worn by Scandinavians as a talisman against trolls and huldra folk (mythological beings from Scandinavian folklore that live in forests and mountains).
Norse pagans believed that trolls possessed dangerous supernatural powers and brought misfortune. The Troll Cross was thought to ward off these mischievous underground creatures and mysterious woodland spirits by invoking spiritual protection. Carrying this symbolic rune served as a reminder of one’s vulnerability to unseen forces of darkness unless properly warded. Even after Christianization, many continued using the iconography of the Troll Cross for its folkloric promise of safety when venturing into uncivilized natural realms. Overall, it provided psychological reassurance against unseen threats that the superstitious Scandinavians attributed to inhabit the wilds.
Odin’s Three Horns
One of the great Nordic god Odin’s symbols, the Three Horns motif consists of three interwoven ceremonial drinking horns of the Vikings. It is often worn or displayed as a sign of commitment to the modern Asatru faith.
The horns appear in mythic tales of Odin and are reiterated in traditional Norse toasting rituals. Norse mythology includes stories describing Odin’s quests for Odhroerir, a magical mead brewed from the blood of the wise god Kvasir.
Displaying Odin’s three horns symbolizes embracing ancestral virtues of courage, wisdom and strength. It pays homage to the shamanic god of poetry, prophecy, death and his mysterious pursuit of ultimate knowledge through self-sacrifice. The runic symbol stands for mindfulness of past sacrifices, responsibility to future generations and living an examined life in the present guided by Nordic values. Overall, the three horns afford spiritual protection and remind followers to continually strive for understanding as Odin did through ritual preparation and sharing of sacred beverages.
Gungnir – Odin’s Spear
Gungnir was a magical spear crafted by the dwarves and given to Odin by Loki. Among Odin’s most prized possessions, Gungnir never missed its target in battle, much like Thor’s hammer Mjolnir.
According to Norse beliefs, Gungnir was a powerful weapon that always returned to Odin’s hand when thrown like a boomerang or thrown javelin. No shield or defense was proof against its strikes in mythic tales. Some descriptions also claim the spear’s shaft was constructed of sheer black iron and inlaid with gold.
Gungnir held deep symbolic meaning as a representation of Odin’s authority. As the Allfather who ruled gods and men from Valhalla, his ownership of this storied spear reinforced his supreme position and guile in war. Even in depictions from the Viking era, Odin clasps Gungnir as a scepter-like symbol of his divine right to govern. The flawless weapon he carried into Ragnarok embodied his skills in magic, strategy and wielding influence over mortal champions in conflict.
Vegvisir – The Runic Compass
This device was believed to guide travelers home and protect sailors and their ships from storms.
Vegvisir functioned like a guiding symbol to help the wearer find their way home. Norse people believed Vegvisir held special powers and it was considered a protective charm offering luck, safekeeping and blessings.
This potent symbol could help one find the proper course through storms or foul weather, avoiding hazards they may encounter. For ages, it also played an important role for those believing in magical prowess, like Norse sorcerers.
As a spiritual compass, this wondrous device guided the heart and led one to right choices in life. If one lost their way and faith, this sacred icon helped regain confidence. Even today, some follow its guiding spirit for safe travels on life’s winding paths.
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