Svefnthorn (Sleep Thorn) Symbol – History And Meaning

The Svefnthorn, from the Old Norse svefnþorn, meaning ‘sleep thorn,’ is an ancient magic rune originating from Norse mythology. It is a mysterious and obscure Viking symbol. As the name suggests, this symbol is noted for its power to put people to sleep. 

If you want to learn more about the Svefnthorn symbol, read on to find out the meaning, history, and significance of this Viking symbol.

Svefnthorn Symbol (Sleep Thorn) – History And Meaning

It was said that people used Svefnthorn to put their foes into a deep slumber for a very long time, although it was not specified exactly how long. Accounts varied on the application of this powerful magical tool. 

It was also not known whether the sleeper could wake on their own once the symbol was put to use or someone else had to rouse them. 

Svefnthorn History

A lot of Norse sagas mention the Svefnthorn, including The Saga of King Hrolf Kraki, The Saga of the Volsungs, and Gongu-Hrolf’s Saga. 

Known as the ‘sleep thorn,’ this magical belief was practiced by the Norse—gods and people alike.

According to the Huld Manuscript, the Svefnthorn is a symbol carved on oak and laid beneath the head of one’s adversary and he cannot awaken until the Svefnthorn is removed.

During the Viking age, the Svefnthorn was a prominent rune stone that almost everyone possessed. They placed the symbol under their heads if they wanted or needed a long sleep to prepare for a new day ahead.

Svefnthorn Symbol (Sleep Thorn)

The Svefnthorn symbol that we see today resembles a row of four harpoons or small spears, but descriptions or depictions vary, depending on the sources. 

Sometimes the symbol is represented as a vertical line with a diamond shape below, a representation that is said to be connected with the combination of the runic letters Ingwaz and Isaz.

Differences are also noted in the application of the Svefnthorn to an opponent. The exact effects the ‘sleep thorn’ brought about when applied also vary in records.

An account from The Saga of King Hrolf Kraki claims the Svefnthorn’s effects wear off on its own. King Hrolf awoke on his own hours after being hit by the sleep thorn and falling soundly asleep.

The Saga of the Volsungs, on the other hand, tells about Odin using a Svefnthorn to put the valkyrie Brunhild to sleep from which she could not awaken until someone crossed the circle of fire the god had drawn around her unconscious body. Sigurd managed to do it, rousing the valkyrie from sleep and rescuing her.

Vilhjalmr, according to Gongu-Hrolf’s Saga, stuck a Svefnthorn into Hrolf’s head one night. Hrolf fell into a deep sleep and woke up the next day when a horse rolled him around and the sleep thorn fell out. 

These and other mentions about the Svefnthorn in literature agree on one thing: the Svefnthorn was used to make someone fall into a very deep and very long sleep—and waking from it was no easy feat.

Svefnthorn Symbol Meaning

The Svefnthorn symbol is found in a number of Norse sagas and Viking tales. Viking warriors were said to keep these symbols close by in their belief that the Svefnthorn had the power to make them feel safe from danger. This made falling asleep easy, thus allowing them to get fully rested and recharged for the next day. 

The same is practiced nowadays—people are turning to the Svefnthorn to help them fall asleep soundly through tough times. The symbol is believed to assist in soothing the mind, thus enabling one to better rest.

It is advised to put the Svefnthorn under the pillow (or bed). However, using the symbol on a tattoo is discouraged by some practitioners.