Ultimate Guide to Viking Symbols and Their Significance

Viking symbols have endured through the ages, still evoking awe and intrigue. From ancient runic characters to mystical sigils and depictions of animals, the symbols revered by the Vikings carry not only their own historical significance but are also rich in the mythology that shaped their meaning. Even today, many choose to wear these symbols in tattoos or as pendants, reflecting personal traits they hold or embodying the ideal self they wish to become.

Futhark (Runes) The Futhark represents an ancient alphabet of runic characters, each holding deep symbolic meaning. These runes, when grouped together, can carry even more potent messages. Today, the Futhark runes are commonly used in practices like meditation and divination, and some believe they can even reveal one's astrological path.

• The Futhark comes in two versions: the Elder Futhark, which predates the Viking Age (793-1066 AD) and contains 24 runes, and the Younger Futhark, which emerged at the dawn of the Viking Age with just 16 runes, bringing the total number of known runes to 40.
• Many people choose to tattoo runes that resonate with them personally or that symbolize important aspects of their life. For instance, the Hagalaz rune, which stands for change and transformation, or the Mannaz rune, representing humanity and interconnectedness, are popular choices.

Mjolnir (Thor's Hammer) Mjolnir, Thor's legendary hammer, is a symbol of strength, protection, and good fortune. This mighty weapon, capable of crushing both beasts and mountains, is said to have been worn by Vikings as a charm to ward off evil and bolster them in battle.

• Strength and protection are not solely physical attributes. Mjolnir also represents mental and emotional resilience. People facing challenging or life-threatening situations—such as those working in high-risk jobs or cancer survivors—find inspiration and courage in this powerful symbol.

Yggdrasil (The World Tree) Yggdrasil, the World Tree, is the central axis of Norse mythology, linking and nurturing all life across the Nine Realms, one of which is Earth. This symbol holds deep meaning as a representation of human connection, as well as the natural cycle of life, death, and rebirth, a journey every individual must face.

Vegvisir The Vegvisir is a symbol akin to a compass, guiding one’s path and offering protection. Resembling a wheel with 8 arms, it carries a distinct symbol at each point. Found in the Huld manuscript of the Galdrabók, an Icelandic spellbook dating back to around 1600 AD, it is accompanied by the words, "If this sign is carried, one will never lose one's way in storms or bad weather, even when the way is not known."

Valknut Depicted as three interlocking triangles, the Valknut symbolizes death. The term "Valknut" translates to "knot of those fallen in battle," a relatively modern phrase, though the symbol itself is found on ancient Viking rune stones and burial artifacts. Often depicted alongside horses and wolves, animals tied to Odin, the chief god in Norse mythology.

• Some scholars suggest that the three triangles represent the heart of Hrungnir, a stone giant who famously challenged Thor in a battle to the death, a story recounted in the Prose Edda, a 13th-century Icelandic text that is a cornerstone of Norse myth.

Aegishjalmr (The Helm of Awe) Aegishjalmr is a powerful symbol of strength and protection. Mentioned in the Prose Edda, it was said to have been worn by the dragon Fafnir and later by the hero Sigurd. This symbol appears in several forms, all featuring 4, 6, or 8 arms radiating from the center. Vikings wore the Helm of Awe to instill fear in their enemies and to empower themselves in battle.

Web of Wyrd (Fate) The Web of Wyrd is a symbol of fate and predestination. In Norse belief, the destiny of all beings, both mortal and divine, is woven into the roots of Yggdrasil, the World Tree. This symbol represents that idea and is depicted as a complex interlacing web of lines.

• Those who believe in fate, or view life as more than mere happenstance, may still find significance in the Web of Wyrd today.

The Triskele (The Horns of Odin) The Triskele represents the pursuit of wisdom. It features three interwoven horns, symbolizing the mead of poetry that Odin drank and shared with humanity to bestow intellectual enlightenment. Odin's quest to obtain this mystical mead involves deceiving a giant and then evading capture by transforming into an eagle, a legendary tale filled with cunning and transformation.

Sólarhvél (The Sun Wheel) Traditionally, the Sun Wheel is a symbol of good fortune and protection. With four or eight spokes depending on the variant, it is linked to both Thor, the thunder god, and Odin, the Allfather. When associated with Thor, it signifies luck and safety, potentially worn by Vikings as a talisman in battle. For those honoring Odin, the Sun Wheel could represent the cycles of life, death, and time itself.

• Unfortunately, the Sun Wheel also carries negative associations. In the early 20th century, the Nazi Party of Germany, led by Adolf Hitler, adopted it as their emblem, transforming it into the swastika, a symbol now notorious for evil and destruction.

Svefnthorn (The Sleep Thorn) Svefnthorn is a symbol for inducing sleep in enemies. It appears in various forms, but the most recognizable version is a set of four vertical shafts, each with hooks at the ends and crossed by three or more horizontal lines. In Norse lore, figures like Odin used the Sleep Thorn to lull their foes into a deep slumber.

• As a tattoo, the Sleep Thorn might symbolize putting to rest the negativity or inner struggles in your life, effectively blocking them out to focus on the positive.

Gungnir (Odin's Spear) Gungnir is a symbol of strength and power in battle. As the weapon of Odin, the chief god of the Norse pantheon, Gungnir carries immense significance in Viking culture. It embodies Odin's battlefield prowess and majesty, and is also revered for its craftsmanship, having been forged by masterful dwarven blacksmiths.

• Those who choose to tattoo Gungnir may do so to represent their own inner strength and the personal battles they've overcome in life.

Fenrir (The Wolf) Fenrir, the monstrous wolf and offspring of Loki, god of mischief, symbolizes chaos and destruction. The gods feared Fenrir's power and chose to bind him in magical chains. He will remain confined until Ragnarok, the apocalyptic event in Norse mythology, when he will break free, devour the sun, and ultimately slay Odin. In the aftermath, Odin's son, Vidar, will seek vengeance and kill Fenrir.

Sleipnir (The Eight-Legged Horse) In Norse myth, Sleipnir is the offspring of Loki and a stallion. Renowned as Odin's swift and powerful mount, Sleipnir is also a symbol of transformation due to his remarkable ability to travel across different spiritual realms. During Ragnarok, he plays a pivotal role by carrying Odin into battle and then guiding him into the afterlife upon the god's death.

Nidhogg (The Dragon) Nidhogg plays a crucial role in Norse mythology, particularly in the events leading to Ragnarok. This dragon, along with other serpents, gnaws at the roots of Yggdrasil, the World Tree, disturbing the cosmic order and triggering the world's end. Symbolically, Nidhogg is linked to chaos and finality.

• Additionally, Nidhogg is said to dwell in the Underworld, where he punishes the most notorious criminals by devouring them, a grim form of justice after death.

Hugin & Munin (Odin's Ravens) Hugin and Munin are Odin's ravens, embodiments of his thoughts. As Odin's trusted companions, they travel the world to gather knowledge and wisdom, symbolizing intellect. These ravens are also tied to Odin's association with war and death, as ravens are scavengers that feed on the remains of the fallen.

Gullinbursti (The Boar) Gullinbursti, a golden-furred boar, is Freyr's companion and a symbol of prosperity in Norse mythology. The boar is celebrated in a midwinter festival held around the time of Christmas, where it signifies the return of the sun after winter's darkness, as well as fertility and peace.

Jörmungandr (The Serpent) In Norse legend, Jörmungandr is a colossal serpent whose body is so vast that it encircles the entire world, holding its own tail in its mouth. During Ragnarok, Jörmungandr will release its tail and join the other monsters in battle against the gods. However, like the rest, he will ultimately be defeated. The act of letting go of his tail represents the transition from one phase of existence to another.

The Bear In Norse tradition, the bear is closely associated with the berserkers, legendary Viking warriors renowned for their brutal combat skills. These warriors, often shamanic in nature, would adopt the traits of animals to empower themselves in battle. The berserkers, whose name translates to "bear shirts" in Old Norse, would wear bear pelts and tap into a ferocious rage during their fights.

• Today, the bear stands as a symbol of immense strength and unwavering courage.

Troll Cross The troll cross is a protective Norse charm believed to ward off evil creatures, particularly trolls from Norse folklore. Crafted by Swedish goldsmith Kari Erlands in the 1990s, this symbol is traditionally worn as an iron amulet. Whether worn or tattooed, the troll cross is thought to safeguard the wearer from dark forces and malevolent spirits, offering protection against the supernatural.

Nordic Knot This symbol, known as the Nordic knot, represents the intricate web of connections between all things. A part of ancient Viking knotwork, it shares similarities with Celtic designs but is more organic and representational in its form. While often used in art for decoration, it also serves as a symbol of the interconnectedness of humanity, reflecting how all our lives and stories are intertwined in the grand scheme of fate.