Viking Symbols Overview
Viking symbols are centuries old and still spark excitement and mystery. From runic letters to sigils to representations of animals, the symbols that the Vikings revered are as fascinating for their age as for the incredible and varied mythology behind them. Even today, many people continue to tattoo or fashion pendants out of some of these images to represent qualities that they have or the person they aspire to become.
20 Viking Symbols and Their Meanings
Furthark (Runes) The Futhark is an alphabet of runic letters that hold many meanings. Each rune has its own name and symbolism, but when combined, they form even more powerful meanings. In modern times, the Futhark runes can be included in meditation and divination rituals, but you can also use to determine your astrological fate. The Futhark is divided into two categories: the Elder and the Younger. The Elder Futhark predates the Viking Age (793-1066 AD) and features 24 runic letters. The Younger Futhark was likely created at the beginning of the Viking Age as a simpler alternative to the older alphabet. It has only 16 runes, bringing the total number of known Viking runes to 40. Many people tattoo their astrological Viking runes on their bodies or find runes that represent special meanings to them. For example, one might tattoo the Hagalaz rune, which symbolizes change, transformation, and destruction, or the Mannaz rune to represent humanity, society, and interconnectedness.
Mjolnir (Thor's Hammer) Mjolnir is Thor's hammer and symbolizes luck, strength, and protection. This weapon of the god of thunder was incredibly powerful and could crush monsters and mountains alike with ease. It's speculated that Vikings wore symbols of Mjolnir as tokens to protect them from evil and strengthen them against their enemies. There are many kinds of strength and protection, not just physical, including strength of character and mind. One can find a connection to these qualities even in modern times. People who work in stressful or life-threatening professions, for example, or even cancer survivors can all find inspiration and courage in the hammer symbol.
Yggdrasil (The World Tree) The World Tree is the center of the Norse mythological universe, being the central node that connects and sustains life throughout the Nine Realms (one of which is our own). One may find meaning in Yggdrasil as a symbol of connecting with other people and of the natural cycle of life, death, and rebirth that every human being must experience.
Vegvisir Vegvisir is a compass-like symbol representing pathfinding and luck. It resembles a wheel shape with 8 branches and features a unique symbol at each point. It appears in the Huld manuscript of the Galdrabok, an Icelandic spellbook from circa 1600 AD. Near it are 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 This symbol represented as 3 interlocking triangles means death. "Valknut" means "knot of those fallen in battle" and is a relatively modern term, but the symbol it's associated with has been found on ancient Viking rune stones and grave objects. Alongside the Valknut, you'll often find images of horses and wolves, animals associated with the chief god in Norse mythology, Odin. Some scholars speculate that the three triangles actually represent the heart of Hrungnir: a stone giant who challenged Thor to a battle to the death. This story is found in the Prose Edda, a 13th century Icelandic text where many Norse myths originate.
Aegishjalmr (The Helm of Awe) Aegishjalmr symbolizes strength and protection. It's mentioned in the Prose Edda as having been worn by a dragon named Fafnir and then a hero named Sigurd. The symbol associated with the Helm of Awe comes in several versions, all of which have 4, 6, or 8 arms extending out from the center. Viking men and women wore the symbol to strike fear in their enemies as well as to lend them strength.
Web of Wyrd (Fate) The Web of Wyrd symbolizes the threads of fate and pre-destiny. In ancient Norse culture, Vikings believed that the fate of every man (and god) was carved or threaded into the roots of Yggdrasil, the World Tree. The Web of Wyrd, or Web of Fate, is a symbol of this concept and is depicted as an interwoven latticework of lines. Those who believe in destiny and life as more than just a series of chance occurrences can still find special meaning in the Web of Wyrd today.
The Triskele (The Horns of Odin) The Triskele symbolize the pursuit of knowledge. The symbol features three interlocking horns, which represent the horns of mead poetry that Odin drank and shared with mankind to bring them scholarly wisdom. Odin's quest to find the mead of poetry is a legendary tale in which he has to deceive a giant and then escape him by transforming into an eagle.
Sólarhvél (The Sun Wheel) Traditionally, the Sun Wheel symbolizes protection and good luck. It features 4 or 8 branches, depending on which version is used, and is typically associated with Thor, the Norse god of thunder, or Odin, the Allfather. With respect to Thor, Sólarhvél is a token of luck and protection that Vikings may have worn into battle. If they wished to honor Odin, they may have worn the Sun Wheel to represent the cycles of time, life, and death. Sadly, the Sun Wheel also has negative connotations. In the early 1900s, the Nazi Party of Germany (led by Adolph Hitler) coopted it as their official party symbol. This symbol became known as the swastika, a representation of evil and destruction.
Svefnthorn (The Sleep Thorn) Svefnthorn symbolizes putting enemies to sleep. It appears as several different variations, but one of the most recognizable is a group of four long vertical shafts with a hook on each end and three or more horizontal lines struck across each shaft's middle. In Norse mythology, various figures (including Odin) used the Sleep Thorn to put their adversaries into a deep slumber. As a tattoo, the Sleep Thorn could represent putting the naysayers or inner demons in your life "to sleep," shutting them out of your mind so you can focus on the positive.
Gungnir (Odin's Spear) Gungnir represents strength and might in battle. As the weapon of the Allfather, chief of the Norse gods, this spear is an extremely powerful symbol in Viking culture. It evokes Odin's prowess and majesty in battle, but also represents strength in its own right, having been carved by highly skilled dwarven smiths. Those who wish to tattoo Gungnir on their bodies may do so to symbolize their inner strength and the times they overcame challenges in their lives.
Fenrir (The Wolf) Fenrir is a giant wolf and the son of Loki, god of mischief, as well as a symbol of chaos and destruction. According to legend, the other gods saw nothing but evil in Fenrir and chose to chain him up in magical bonds. He will remain chained until Ragnarok – the end of the world – when he will break free, consume the sun, and swallow Odin. Afterwards, Odin's son, Vidar will take revenge on Fenrir and kill him.
Sleipnir (The Eight-Legged Horse) In Norse legends, Sleipnir is the son of Loki and a stallion. He is best known as Odin's strong and speedy steed, but he's also regarded as a symbol of transformation due to his ability to travel between spiritual realms. In Ragnarok, his role is to carry Odin into battle and then into the afterlife when the god dies.
Nidhogg (The Dragon) Nidhogg is an important figure in Norse mythology due to his role in bringing about Ragnarok. This dragon, along with other serpents, eats the roots of the World Tree, thus disrupting the delicate balance of the cosmos and ushering in the end of the world. As such, he's associated symbolically with chaos and endings. Nidhogg is also spoken of as an overseer in a part of the Underworld where the worst criminals in human society go after death. The fearsome dragon, so the legend goes, eats these criminals as punishment for their misdeeds.
Hugin & Munin (Odin's Ravens) Hugin and Munin are essentially Odin's "thoughts" manifested as ravens in the physical realm. As a sorcerer, Odin would send Hugin and Munin out to obtain fresh knowledge and wisdom, which is the reason they symbolize intellect. The ravens are also associated with Odin's role as a god of battle and death, as evidenced by the fact that ravens are carrion birds that feast on corpses.
Gullinbursti (The Boar) Gullinbursti is a boar with golden fur and the companion of Freyr, the Norse god of prosperity. This creature was highly celebrated at a midwinter festival that took place around modern Christmastime, where it symbolized the return of the sun after a long, dark winter, fertility, and peace.
Jörmungandr (The Serpent) In Norse legends, Jörmungandr is said to be a serpent of such massive size that his body encircles the world and he holds his tail in his own mouth. When Ragnarok begins, Jörmungandr will release his tail and join the other monsters in a fight against the Norse gods. However, like his brethren, he will be defeated. Letting go of his tail symbolizes changing from one phase of life to another.
The Bear The bear is the symbol of the berserkers, a group of fierce and feared Viking warriors. In the Viking Age, some warriors would take it upon themselves to become shamans and adopt the attributes of an animal to aid them in battle. One such group was called the berserkers, which means "bear shirts" in Old Norse. They would wear bear skins and adopt a terrifying fury during fighting. Today, the bear and the berserker can be interpreted as symbols of raw strength and courage.
Troll Cross The troll cross is a Norse symbol protecting against monsters. It was created by a Swedish goldsmith named Kari Erlands in the 1990s and is meant to be worn as an iron amulet. When carried or tattooed, the troll cross is supposed to protect the wearer from malevolent spirits, particularly trolls (which are common foes in Norse mythology).
Nordic Knot This symbol is a woven knot representing interconnectedness. It's part of the ancient art of Viking knotwork, similar to Celtic knotwork except more representational and organic in design. It's most commonly used as decorative elements in artwork, but it can also be interpreted as a symbol of the interconnectedness between human beings and how all our stories are woven together in fate.
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