Valknut Symbol – History and Meaning

Valknut symbol is one of the most popular Viking symbols.

The symbol may appear on numerous Viking memorial stones and runestones as well as Germanic objects like cremation urns of the Anglo Saxons, but the term is a modern Norwegian invention.

Valknut Symbol – History and Meaning

‘Valknut’ was taken from the two Old Norse words ‘valr,’ which means ‘slain warriors,’ and ‘knut,’ which means ‘knot.’

This is one of the most arcane Norse symbols because are were no definite accounts as to what the symbol represented for the ancient people.

There are even two variations of the valknut. One version has the three triangles separate but connected, while the other has the three triangles in the unicursal form.

Valknut History

The origin of the valknut is as ambiguous as the symbol itself. There are accounts that refer to an entry in the 13th-century book, Prose Edda, where the description of the ‘Hrungnir’s heart’ is similar to that of the valknut we know today.

In the book, the giant Hrungnir’s heart is said to be made of stone that has three sharp corners. Another account alludes to the Norse God Odin and his powers to “bind and unbind” the human mind.

Meanwhile, some art depicting Odin that features a valknut are said to represent the afterlife.

Today, the valknut remains to be an important symbol for the Germanic Neopagan faith. The symbol has also become a much-favored design used in company logos, organizations, and even sports teams. 

The Valknut Symbol

The valknut is made up of three interlocking triangles. It is a prominent symbol often seen carved or etched in memorial and rune stones that date back to the Viking Age, around the year 800 to 1150.

These ancient Viking monuments are found across Scandinavia—from the runestones in Sweden to the ship graves in Norway.

Consisting of three interlocking triangles, its exact meaning is still not clearly known.  Valknut is often seen in objects of Nordic paganism and in places occupied by the ancient Germanic tribes. 

As with its origin and symbolism, the Valknut’s formation varies depending on an artist or designer’s interpretation.

It can be depicted as a triangular version of Borromean rings, the trefoil knot or triquetra (unicursal), or as a closed three-link chain. 

The Valknut Symbol Meaning

There are various interpretations of the Valknut’s significance. Making sense of the different tales about their meaning always goes back to Norse mythology.

The valknut is widely known as Odin’s knot, said to symbolize the transition between life and death as well as the power of the god (Odin) “to bind and unbind.”

Since valknut usually translates to “knots of those fallen in battle,” the symbol also pertains to the warriors that were gathered from the battlefield by the Valkyries and brought to Valhalla.

There are also people who still consider this symbol as a talisman against evil, so they wear it as a pendant, a ring, or as a tattoo.

An interesting tale regarding the valknut relates it to reincarnation. According to Norse mythology, the nine points (or sides) of the three triangles represent the Nine Worlds of Norse mythology.

The interlinking of the three triangles symbolizes the realms of heaven, earth, and hell.