Viking Symbols And Their Meaning

Looking for Viking symbols and their meaning? Read on to find out what these symbols mean. Vikings were the seafaring Norse people from Scandinavia (Denmark, Norway, and Sweden) from the 8th to 11th centuries. They were often depicted as fearsome warriors who raided and pirated in different parts of Europe. The Viking symbols were mainly from the Norse Mythology stemming from paganism and Scandinavian folklore. Norse Mythology is also popular for the story of Thor, made popular by The Avengers films. If you want to learn more about how the Viking symbols came to be and their significance to the Viking-Norse culture, here are the most popular Viking-Norse symbols and their meanings.

Viking Symbols And Their Meaning

The Trollkors Symbol

The trollkors (English: troll cross) is an emblem used for protection not only against trolls but elves as well—from malevolent forces, in general. A troll cross is a piece of bent iron practitioners wear as an amulet to ward off dark magic. The trollkors symbol is commonly seen on amulets. This symbol is made of a round-shaped iron with its ends crossed at the bottom possibly to mimic the shape of an Odal rune, meant to be worn as a charm since iron and crosses are believed to ward off evil entities. Today the troll cross is a popular symbol used in tattoos and jewelry commonly made of hand-forged iron, although bronze and sterling silver are also used. It’s rather modern, but it’s still very interesting and is considered to be among the most popular Viking symbols nowadays. The troll cross or trollkors is a metallic symbol that is believed to provide protection against negative forces. People wear it as an amulet to ward off all dark sorts of magic and evil. In the early days, the Scandinavians used it against trolls, which are considered such big trouble in Norse mythology. The troll cross should be made out of iron to be effective in warding off trolls and other evil creatures, although it’s not uncommon to find other materials in jewelry pieces these days. In Sweden and Norway, however, a trollkors is usually a cross-cut or carved on an object, placed above a door or window, to protect both people and property. To learn more about this Trollkors symbol, click here. 

The Sleipnir Symbol

In Norse mythology, the god Odin owns a magical stallion. His name is Sleipnir and he has eight legs. While the other gods are in chariots, Odin is riding on Sleipnir’s back during battles.  This eight-legged stallion is also known as The Sliding One, deemed the best of horses by all the skalds. The title is deserved, as Sleipnir can travel the Nine Worlds and up and down Yggdrasil at unbelievable speed. He can cross the Bifrost Bridge to Asgard and leap over the gates of Hel as well.  Loki gave birth to the eight-legged horse. Sleipnir was conceived when Loki transformed into a mare so he could keep the craftsman from completing the fortification of Asgard on the promised time. Loki seduced the stallion that the craftsman owned so he could get the gods out of a bad contract with the said craftsman, who turned out to be a giant in disguise. In Norse mythology, eight-legged horses are used to transport souls to the afterlife. Sleipnir is linked with the afterlife and his eight legs are interpreted as “an indication of great speed or as being connected in some unclear way with cult activity.” Sleipnir is symbolic of speed, surety, and perception. The Sleipnir symbol also represents eternal life, transcendence, and good luck in travel. The symbol is particularly meaningful to travelers and athletes—equestrians, especially—as well as those who have lost loved ones and those who long for spiritual enlightenment. To learn more about this Sleipner symbol, click here. 

Svefnthorn Symbol (Sleep Thorn)

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.  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.  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. To learn more about this Svenfnthorn symbol, click here. 

The Viking Axe Symbol

The Viking Axe is one of the most well known and appreciated Viking weapons. It is also a popular Viking symbol that’s known to represent bravery, power, and strength. A distinct feature of the Viking Axe is that it is in a single bit form, which makes it easier to use during battles. The axe was a handy tool for Vikings that did not require as much time to make. Yet it is one of the sturdiest and most useful weapons of the warriors in battle.   It is said that every Viking owned an axe since childhood because apart from being a weapon the axe was also used in farms and homesteads. Everyone during the Viking Age had an axe that was used for various purposes—from intimidating invaders to chopping wood. The axe has always been a formidable symbol of strength and bravery. From the 9th century up to modern times, the Viking Axe was either carried, kept, or worn as a pendant, a symbol that meant victory in all pursuits.  In Norse mythology, military apparel always featured an axe because it signifies bravery and power. For the Vikings, the axe was a tool, a weapon, and protection from evil spirits.  Every Viking carried with him similar protection from evil spirits, which also helped him win in battle and return to his tribe with his shield and not on it. To learn more about this Viking Axe symbol, click here. 

The Web of Wyrd Symbol

Known as the Norse matrix of fate, the Web of Wyrd is one of the most popular and important Viking symbols. Said to have been woven by the Norns/Norni, the Shapers of Destiny, the Web of Wyrd is made up of nine staves and all the runes. This symbol is believed to interconnect and represent all the possibilities of the past, present, and future. The Web of Wyrd symbol is considered as a metaphor for the destiny that is likened to how weaving works. As the fibers turn around the spindle or are woven together by the Norns at the foot of Yggdrasil, they become the thread of our lives.  This thread is regarded as the connection between our past, present, and future, and how they are impossible to separate. The Web of Wyrd represents fate and its complexities. This symbol depicts the connection of the fates, how our past deeds not only affect the present but the future as well. To learn more about this Web of Wyrd symbol, click here. 

The Huginn and Muninn Symbol

The raven is a magical creature and a powerful symbol of war in the Viking world. It is also considered to be a remarkably intelligent bird. Odin’s divine ravens, Huginn and Muninn, actually symbolize the human mind. Huginn symbolizes the thought while Muninn represents mind or memory.  These big, ominous-looking birds have black feathers, sharp beaks, and strong wings. They are able to fly the whole of Midgard in just one day. Odin has endowed them with special abilities such as understanding men and speaking in the human language. Huginn and Muninn are also shrewd and highly observant. These birds are not just mere spies or messengers for the highest god; they also serve as his confidants and advisors. In Norse mythology, Huginn and Muninn not only represent Odin’s ravens but the concept of duality as well.  Huginn is from Old Norse meaning ‘thought’ and Muninn from ‘mind’ or ‘memory.’ In some excerpts from the Prose Edda, Muninn is cited in a common noun for ‘raven,’ while Huginn is referenced in a compound expression for ‘carrion.’ The names of these ravens are modernly anglicized as Hugin and Munin. These ravens, Odin’s messengers, fly daily all over Midgard (world) to gather information for the highest God. Being one-eyed and forgetful, Huginn and Muninn compensate for Odin’s said weaknesses by keeping him well informed. Huginn and Muninn are often depicted as sitting on the god’s shoulders, bringing him information. To learn more about this Huginn and Muninn symbol, click here. 

The Triple Horn of Odin Symbol

The Triskele or the Triple Horn of Odin is an ancient Norse symbol that consists of three interlocked spirals/horns named Boðn, Óðrœrir, and Són. A trilateral symbol, this is also known as the Triskelion.  Recognized as an emblem of the Norse god Odin, the Triple Horn consists of three interlocked drinking horns. It is one of those Viking symbols that are linked with the divine number three. The three horns in the symbol allude to the three times Odin drank the special mead and therefore represents Odin’s nonstop desire for knowledge.  This symbol is mentioned in various mythological stories that feature Odin and is a known part of traditional Norse toasting rituals. The Triple Horns symbol is also referred to as simply Odin’s Horns and Horned Trickle.  Today, this symbol is often associated with the Ásatrú faith, and its followers wear or display the Triskelion as a sign of their commitment.  To learn more about this Triple Horn of Odin symbol, click here. 

The Valknut Symbol

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. 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. 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. To learn more about this Valknut symbol, click here. 

The Mjölnir Symbol

Mjölnir is pronounced as Miol-neer. It is the name of Thor’s hammer in Nordic mythology. Some sources claim that the name ‘Mjölnir’ may mean ‘lightning’ in Old Norse. Others believe that the word may also mean ‘white’ and refer to the purity of white lightning. It is widely believed that when people hear the sound of thunder, Thor and his hammer are at work. Mjölnir is often depicted as having a large and heavy rectangular head with some intricate carvings and a short handle that only Thor can wield with one hand.  The Norse mythology often refers to the  Mjölnir as a mighty weapon that could even level mountains. Just like a boomerang, the hammer is said to return after being thrown. The  Mjölnir represents power, protection, and security, which is why it has always been a popular amulet. It was a known ceremonial object, used in hallowing and consecration rituals. Since the  Mjölnir is often associated with protection, it was used to bless important ceremonies happening in the community, such as births, marriages, and even funerals. Today,  Mjölnir pendants are worn as a religious symbol by people who practice Germanic Neopaganism. To learn more about this Mjolnir symbol, click here. 

The Yggdrasil Symbol

Yggdrasil symbol, also called the world tree, is a sacred European ash tree of Norse mythology. It is where Odin had hung himself for 9 days while pierced by his own spear, a sacrifice made so the secrets of the runes would be revealed to him.

Yggdrasil, the so-called world tree of Norse mythology and cosmology, represents the cycle of life, death, and rebirth.

This enormous tree unified the 9 worlds of Asgard, Álfheimr, Niðavellir, Midgard, Jötunheimr, Vanaheimr, Niflheimr, Muspelheim and Hel.

Today, many Scandinavian people still have miniature versions of Yggdrasils in their homes. These trees are often linden, ash, or elm planted in the center of their homesteads. They are called caring trees or guardian/warden trees, which are believed to have spirits and follow the lives of those who grow up under their branches.

One interpretation claims that Yggdrasils means the world tree upon which “the horse of the highest god is bound”—the highest god being Odin.

In some parts of the Poetic Edda, however, Yggdrasil and Odin appear to be one and the same. When Odin was hung, speared, for nine days on this tree, he said that he sacrificed himself onto himself.

To learn more about this Yggdrasils symbol, click here. 

The Aegishjalmur Symbol

The Aegishjalmur or the Helm of Awe is a popular Norse symbol that’s often associated with protection from any sort of disease.

The symbol often appears to have eight spiked arms that surround a circle as if they are protecting it from all sides. Its Old Norse name, “Ægishjálmr,” means “helm of terror.”

From old Icelandic grimoires to 19th-century manuscripts, it is often mentioned that the Helm of Awe was drawn between the eyes of warriors as a way to induce fear in the heart of their enemies.

There are sources that show this symbol with four trident-looking arms while the widely-used version from 17th-century grimoires has eight arms surrounding a center circle.

It is also believed that the Aegishjalmur is more powerful when inscribed with the spit or sweat of the person wearing it.

The Nordic symbol Aegishjalmur is commonly believed to be a symbol of courage, protection, and strength.

Often worn by Viking warriors by drawing it in the space between their eyebrows, this symbol is said to ensure victory against their enemies.

The mere sight of the Aegishjalmur is said to instill terror in their opponents.

The end of the trident arms of the symbol is called the Z-rune, said to symbolize protection and victory in battle.

Meanwhile, the circle in the center of the Aegishjalmur is said to represent protection to those bearing the symbol.

Apart from being used as a talisman when going into battle, the Aegishjalmur is also a symbol that signifies courage in life and fearlessness in the face of obstacles.

To learn more about this Aegishjalmur symbol, click here. 

The Gungnir Symbol

Gungnir means ‘swaying’ in Old Norse and is pronounced as  ‘GUNG-neer.’ It is the name of the mighty spear of the god Odin and it’s not an ordinary spear. According to the story, Odin led a war against the Vanir which he started the battle by hurling his spear while saying “Odin owns all of you.” This had become Odin’s signature move and it was associated with his spear Gungnir. In Norse mythology, the name of this magical weapon means ‘swaying one.’ Gungnir resembles a javelin and is used quite like it. According to legends, this weapon, when thrown, always flies straight ahead and has never missed its target. Often seen being gripped by his right hand, Gungnir is a symbol that’s considered to be Odin’s trademark as a war god. According to the Ynglinga Saga, Odin would throw Gungnir to frighten his enemies. In Norse mythology, Gungnir is the weapon of the ruler god, Odin. This mighty spear is also considered to be a holy weapon. A legend has it that if you make an oath in front of it, your oath is bound to come true. Signifying power, protection, and authority, Gungnir is also called ‘the Eternal Spear’ or ‘the Declaration of Lord God.’ Its name also means ‘penetrating,’ because it is said to be so powerful that it always hits the target once it’s thrown out. Gungnir, in the Norse legends, is a weapon that never misses and can penetrate anything. To learn more about this Gungnir symbol, click here. 

The Vegvisir Symbol

Vegvísir is a modern Icelandic Norse symbol that is said to be a modern version of earlier Viking runic magic. Legend has it that the rune has the power to protect whoever wears it from getting lost. With the vegvísir, the wearer always finds their way home. It is essentially a wayfinding symbol, which is often referred to as the Viking or Norse Compass.  The vegvísir is also called the runic compass or the Viking compass/Nordic compass. Composed of eight rune staves, this symbol is known to be a symbol of protection and guidance. According to the Huld Manuscript, the vegvísir is a symbol of guidance and protection in a sentence that says “the wearer of this symbol will not lose his way during storms and bad weather, even if he does not know of his destination.” Meanwhile, in the Galdrabók, it is said that in order for the vegvísir to provide guidance and protection, it should be drawn in blood on a person’s forehead. Nowadays, what the vegvísir means in modern Scandinavia has more to do with faith (for those who practice Ásatrú) and as a symbol of Icelandic culture. To learn more about this Vegvisir symbol, click here. 

The Geri and Freki Symbol

In Norse mythology, it is very common to find Odin sitting on his high seat, Hlidskjalf. This allows him to see everything that happens in all realms. Often depicted at the god’s feet as he does this so, Geri and Freki are Odin’s personal guardians. Geri and Freki guard the border against the giants, the sworn enemies of both men and the Aesir gods. The wolves attended to Odin at his high throne and also at his residence, Valhalla, which is said to be the most beautiful of all palaces and dwellings of the gods in Asgard. When one of the pair sleeps, the other is awake and watches, making it impossible to surprise their master Odin. There is a suggestion that one depiction of a man on a stallion, donning a beard and a helmet, is the god Odin with his spear Gungnir riding his horse Sleipnir. Only in this portrayal, Sleipnir has four legs instead of the more widely known eight legs. The two furry animals with Odin—dogs or wolves—are suggested to be Geri and Freki, while the birds are believed to be Huginn and Muninn. Flanking Odin at his feet, Odin’s two loyal wolves Geri (‘greedy’) and Freki (‘ravenous’) guard him and keep him company. The names Geri and Freki are interpreted to mean either “the greedy one” or “the ravenous one.”  In the Norse culture, wolves are perceived as both negative and positive. Said to represent chaos and destruction, on one hand, and on the other, they also symbolize protection, wisdom, loyalty, and bravery. To learn more about this Geri and Freki symbol, click here. 

The Swastika Symbol

The word ‘swastika’ means ‘good fortune’ or ‘well-being’ from the Sanskrit swastika or sauwastika. This hooked cross symbol goes back to as early as 7,000 years ago and is used to represent the sun’s movement through the sky.

Despite its former connection with Hitler and the Nazi Party, the swastika remains to be a sacred symbol in Buddhism, Hinduism, Jainism, and Odinism. It is a symbol often seen on temples or houses in India or Indonesia.

The swastika symbol has also been found in ancient artifacts from pre-Christian European cultures.

Despite the infamy of the swastika when it was used by Hitler and his Nazi movement, the symbol has retained its importance especially in Near East and Indian cultures.

In the 19th century, the German businessman and archaeologist Heinrich Schliemann discovered the Swastika symbol on the Hisarlik, said to be the site of Troy.

He saw links to the symbol in similar shapes found on pottery in Germany, which led him to believe that it was an important religious symbol of their remote ancestors.

At the start of the 20th century, the swastika became more popular in Europe. It had a number of meanings but the most popular is that the swastika symbolizes good luck and auspiciousness.

The swastika is a known symbol in Hindu and Buddhist countries such as Nepal, India, Mongolia, China, and Japan. It is also often used in Hindu marriage ceremonies.

To learn more about this The Swastika Symbol, click here.