Blog, Viking History & Mythology
Viking Symbols and Their Meanings: A Journey Through Norse Culture
Nov
Mjölnir (Thor’s Hammer)
Gungnir (Odin’s Spear)
Odin’s Triple Horn
Ravens (Huginn and Muninn)
Their role is very special: every day, the pair of ravens fly around the nine worlds connected by Yggdrasil to gather information and observe all developments. In the evening, they return to Asgard (where the Aesir gods live) to report back to Odin, helping him maintain complete knowledge and power in the Norse universe.
Valknut (Knot of the Slain)
The Valknut symbol, in Viking belief, helped guide the souls of fallen warriors to Valhalla or other worlds. It was also used in tattoos, jewelry, and art. Today, the Valknut is a symbol of strength, courage, and indomitability, and has been inspired by many modern brands. It has also appeared in popular culture, such as in games, movies, and books inspired by Norse mythology, such as Assassin’s Creed Valhalla and God of War.
Fenrir (Norse Wolf)
In modern depictions, Fenrir is often seen as a symbol of opposites: chaos and order, destruction and rebirth. Whether viewed as a villain or a hero, Fenrir conveys a profound message about the nature of power and the inevitability of change. The image of Fenrir today has transcended mythology, becoming a symbol of strength, freedom and rebellion. The modern Fenrir symbol, with its fierce and powerful wolf image, is chosen by many as a personal symbol, expressing a connection to inner strength and a spirit of freedom.
Dragon (Norse Serpent)
Dragons, or serpents, are prominent in Norse mythology and are associated with power, greed, and protection. These mythical creatures, such as Fáfnir and Níðhöggr, are often depicted as guarding treasure or causing destruction.
Viking dragons are not as mythologized as Western dragons, but they have a strong significance in stories of fate and destruction. More than just mythical creatures, Viking dragons symbolize rebirth and cosmic balance. In mythology, they are closely associated with the elements that determine fate, representing destructive power and the ability to destroy worlds, and are also symbols of inevitable change in the universe.
Today, Viking dragons remain powerful symbols of strength, rebirth and change. They represent the spirit of overcoming challenges, freedom and power. In modern culture, Viking dragons are an inspiration for those who aspire to fight and change their fate, appearing in jewelry, art and branding, symbolizing indomitable strength and the desire to rise.
Jörmungandr (Midgard Serpent)
Jörmungandr, or the Midgard Serpent, was the son of Loki and Angrboda, and the brother of Fenrir and Hel. At birth, he was a nuisance to the gods because of his size and destructiveness. Odin threw Jörmungandr into the Midgard Sea, where he grew into a giant serpent that wrapped around the world and bit its own tail. According to prophecy, Jörmungandr would rise and fight Thor in a final battle. Although Thor killed the serpent, he died from its poison, marking the end of both Thor and the current universe.
As a Viking symbol, Jörmungandr represents the cycles, boundaries, and connections of life. The image of Jörmungandr biting his own tail represents eternal renewal and the balance between life and death. Jörmungandr’s role in Norse mythology reminds us of both the inevitability of change and the eternal struggle to maintain harmony in chaos.
Ouroboros (Rắn lớn)
The Oroboros, the image of a snake or dragon biting its own tail and devouring itself, is an ancient symbol representing the endless cycle of life, death and rebirth. Since ancient times, it has crossed cultural boundaries, appearing in Norse, Greek, Egyptian and even Western philosophy.
The Ouroboros is a universal symbol of eternity and the unending cycle, representing the link between life and death. Meanwhile, Jörmungandr is the giant serpent in Norse mythology, circling the world of Midgard, symbolizing protection and balance between the realms.
The ouroboros also reflects the Norse belief in interconnectedness, like Yggdrasil, the tree of life. It symbolizes the idea that endings are beginnings and that everything is part of a larger, eternal whole.
In the modern world, the ouroboros is often used in areas such as philosophy, spirituality, and art, representing the continuity of change and endless growth. It is also reminiscent of cycles in nature, such as the changing of the seasons, and is used in many cultures, representing self-healing and the ability to start over.
Yggdrasil (Tree of Life)
Yggdrasil is a mythical tree whose roots and branches reach into every corner of the universe, including Asgard (where the gods live), Midgard (the world of men), and Helheim (the world of the dead). It is considered the central axis of the world, the place that connects and sustains life. Yggdrasil is perhaps one of the most sacred and profound symbols of the Vikings. The three Nornir, Urd (Past), Verdandi (Present), and Skuld (Future), tended the world tree with the water of the well Urðarbrunnr to protect it from withering. Although Yggdrasil sustains itself with the energy of the sacred wells, it still needs to be protected from the dragon Nidhogg, the symbol of destruction.
Today, Yggdrasil exists not only in legends but also in art designs, tattoos, and popular culture. It represents the harmony between the past, present, and future, and emphasizes that everything in the universe is connected. This image reminds people of the importance of balance in nature and in life.
Ægishjálmr (Helmet of Terror)
Ægishjálmr, or Helmet of Terror, is known as a symbol of protection, power, and strength. Its name means “Helmet of Strength” or “Helmet of Ægir”
This symbol was used as a talisman to enhance fighting ability, bring strength and confidence, so warriors often painted or engraved Ægishjálmr on their foreheads, shields, or helmets before going into battle, believing in its ability to protect them from danger.
Ægishjálmr is often depicted as a symmetrical symbol with eight branches radiating from the center, resembling a snowflake motif. These branches represent balance and strength coming from the four cardinal directions (East, West, South, North) and four secondary directions. The perfection of this design symbolizes unbreakable strength and all-round protection.
The image of Ægishjálmr has gradually become a symbol of the strong style and personality of those who wear it, appearing widely in popular culture from fashion to art.
Vegvisir (Viking Compass)
Vegvisir, commonly known as the Viking Compass, is a Viking symbol that represents guidance and protection. It consists of eight points radiating from a center that symbolize direction, balance, and wholeness. Its name comes from the Icelandic words “vegur” (path) and “visir” (guide), meaning “that which points the way.” According to Icelandic tradition, Vegvisir ensures that travelers will not get lost, even in stormy weather or harsh conditions.
Today, Vegvisir is often seen as a spiritual compass, reminding people to stay true to their goals. It is a popular design for tattoos and jewelry, symbolizing perseverance and the strength to overcome the uncertainties of life.
Runes (Magical Alphabet)
Runes are not a regular alphabet, but a system of “futharks” named after the first six letters. This is the oldest runic alphabet, consisting of 24 characters, each representing a specific sound, concept, or power.
In addition to being used for communication, Runes are also believed to have magical properties and are often used in rituals, divination, and protection.
There are two main forms of the Futhark system:
- Elder Futhark (Ancient Futhark): Used from the 2nd to the 8th century AD, with 24 characters.
- Younger Futhark (Younger Futhark): Used from the 9th to the 12th century, with only 16 characters, adapting to changes in language and pronunciation.
The Vikings believed that the Runes were a gift from Odin, who hung himself from the Yggdrasil tree for nine days and nights in search of wisdom and the secrets of the alphabet – magical symbols that contained infinite power and knowledge. This connection with Odin imbued the Runes with sacred meaning, turning them into tools to invoke protection, success and guidance.
In modern interpretations, runes remain a popular choice for tattoos, jewelry and spiritual practices. They are a direct link to the Viking heritage, symbolizing wisdom, connection to the divine and the mysteries of the universe.
Troll Cross
Troll Cross, a fascinating and alluring symbol from Norse folklore. It is an ancient amulet, usually made from metal bent into the shape of a protective Odal or a closed circle.
This is not an official Norse mythological symbol but has its origins in Scandinavian folklore. People believed that the Troll Cross had the ability to protect them from evil creatures such as trolls, huldras or even dark curses.
In Norse mythology, trolls are associated with chaos and danger, often residing in remote and wild places. To combat these threats, Vikings would hang the Troll Cross in their homes, on their barns or carry it with them as a talisman.
This Viking symbol holds deep significance in Norse culture, where faith and the supernatural are intertwined in everyday life. Though less well-known than symbols like the Valknut or Yggdrasil, the Troll Cross still serves as an important reminder of the Vikings’ respect for the unseen world and their efforts to maintain harmony within it.
Viking Longship (Drakkar)
The Viking longship, or Drakkar – spirit of the sea, symbolized the Viking spirit of exploration, innovation and adventure. These ships, with their distinctive dragon-head shaped prows, were typically 15 to 30 metres long, but larger ships could be up to 40 metres long and played an important role in the Viking conquests and trade, helping them cross vast oceans and rivers.
As a symbol of the Norse Vikings, the Drakkar represents courage, adaptability and the pursuit of discovery. These ships were not only a means of transportation but also a testament to the ingenuity and courage required to seek new horizons and travel to distant lands.
Viking Axe
The Viking axe is one of the most practical symbols, reflecting the life of the Vikings — both warriors and settlers. While swords are often seen as symbols of honor and status, the axe represents wild power, is more intimate and easy to use, so it became a familiar tool in the daily life of the Vikings.
Viking axes were powerful weapons in battle, with types such as the Dane axe (a type of Viking battle axe) being able to shatter shields and armor, while smaller axes were used for speed and agility. They were often elaborately decorated, reflecting the status and beliefs of their owners. In addition to warfare, the Viking axe symbolized the survival, resilience and adaptability of the Vikings in the harsh environment of Scandinavia.
Modern interpretations of the Viking axe emphasize strength, self-reliance, and a connection to heritage. For many, the axe serves as a powerful symbol of the balance between destruction and creation—similar to the balance represented by other Viking symbols such as the Valknut and Mjölnir.
