Here at Nordic Era, we are on an endless quest to find the best jewlery designs that reflect all aspects of Norse and Viking culture.
Many of our customers are well versed in the history and meaning of many of their legends, symbols and designs, but many are also just starting to explore the wonder of the Norse / Viking culture.
In this post, we explore some of the more common symbols used in the Viking age and hope it will spur you on to continue your investigations into the fascinating history and culture of the Vikings.
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Mjölnir (Thor’s Hammer)
Possibly the most common and popular symbol of all is the mighty Mjolnir or Thor’s Hammer. This symbol is often seen in modern times on mens viking jewelry and other decorative items. Thor was the Norse god of thunder and one of the most popular gods of the pantheon.
The hammer was said to be a tool that could shatter any obstacle and it was also frequently used as a weapon. It is little wonder then that the hammer became such a popular symbol for protection and strength.
The Mjolnir is probably one of the most famous weapons in Norse mythology and is still commonly seen in mens viking jewelry and other decorative items.
Apart from its immense power, its effectiveness was certainly increased by the fact that it had a handle of mjolnir amulets which were meant to protect the owner from danger.
The story is not all of violence and war however as it is said that Thor was accompanied by two magical creatures, the goat Tanngrisnir and the deer Tanngnjostr.
These animals were said to provide him with food as they could be eaten once slaughtered and then resurrected again the next day. The horns of the bull represented thunder while its hooves created lightning.
The symbol of these creatures can be seen on many viking hair jewelry and other decorative items.
When something, or someone, was blessed using the Mjolnir, it was said to be imbued with some of Thor’s power.
This is why you will often see this symbol on jewelry and other items as a way to bless the wearer or owner.
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The Helm of Awe
The Helm of Awe was a powerful and ancient symbol for the vikings. It gave protection, courage, strength to its users because it magnified their perception in battle or just about anything else that required focus with no distractions on route!
The Helm of Awe is also known as the Helm of Terror, and was worn by Vikings to instil fear into their enemies.
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Vegvisir
The Vegvisir is a Viking Compass that can lead lost souls back to safe ground. It’s often called “the guide of Vikings,” and its modern translation from Icelandic suggests as much – referring not only to their use in navigating but also just how they were believed by some people at one point or another during history (including those living long ago) completely kidneys your direction home!
The Vegvisir is an ancient symbol that has only been found in the most renowned Viking texts. There’s no evidence to show it existed during their time, but we know for sure this beautiful Nordic rune was being used by Icelandic warriors centuries ago because of one mention on document from 18th century dated “the Huld Manuscript”
The Vegvisir is often confused with the Helm of Awe because both are eight-point symbols. However, our hint on how to tell them apart goes like this: while one point in particular may be different between these two items (a compass), every other ‘point’ consists only of straight lines that meet at right angles along its circumference – just as you would find on any modern day Garmin map device!
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Yggdrasil
Yggdrasil, commonly referred to as the ‘WorldTree of Life’ Tree’, is a giant ash tree that is central to Norse mythology. It is said to be the root of all existence and links the nine worlds together. The branches of Yggdrasil reach up into the heavens, while its roots delve deep into the underworld.
Yggdrasil is a mighty tree, a tree of life and a symbol for the cosmos. It is said to be located at the center of all existence, linking together earth with heaven and hell.
Yggdrasil was created by an ancient ice giant named Hymir after he found that his son had been killed by Thor. In revenge, Hymir chopped down Yggdrasil, but he was unable to fell the ancient tree.
Yggdrasil is also associated with Odin. The God hung himself from one of its branches for nine days and nights as an offering in order to gain wisdom through experience; this act gave him great knowledge that helped his quest to learn about runes. Another legend states that he once sacrificed one of his eyes to the ancient well Mímisbrunnr in exchange for a drink.
The name itself comes from two separate words : ‘yggr’ meaning ‘terrible’ or ‘fearsome’ and ‘drasill’ meaning ‘horse’. This suggests that Yggdrasil was considered a powerful and dangerous tree.
The ancient vikings believed that the tree was inhabited by a variety of magical creatures, including the dragon Níðhöggr, who gnaws on Yggdrasil’s roots. There are also three wells located at its base which provide water to the tree: Urdarbrunnr (the well of fate), Hvergelmir (the well of the hot spring) and Mímisbrunnr (the well of wisdom). ggdrasil is considered so fundamental to the wellbeing of the Cosmos that it is often used as a symbol in modern times, appearing on everything from jewelry to tattoos.
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Valknut
The Valknut, or ‘knot of those fallen in battle’ was first identified on Viking-era runestones in Sweden but its name comes from modern Norwegian and is loosely translated as such. The symbol features three interlocking triangle shapes which have been found throughout history dating back to before Christ’s time when they appear again during ancient Troy tales around 1200 BC (Troy). They also figure prominently into many Norse myths including Valhalla where warriors enter after death if they died bravely enough; winners get their drink atop this field while Others sit below them playing chess – it sounds like quite an enjoyable place!
Based on archaeological evidence, it is clear that the Valknut was associated with death. This could not be more evident than in runestones which show a depiction of Odin beside his rune symbol -the valkyrie-. The two were often seen as inseparable given their roles to guide spirits into Valhalla or elsewhere within Norse mythology and folklore for eternity.
In Norse mythology, it is said that Odin (the king of the gods) had an unending supply of magical power and he used these mysterious properties to win battles for his fellow warriors. For example: among Odin’s many powers are “Binding” which makes men weak in battle but also Loosening Tensions; references from historical poems say this god could lay bonds on a person’s mind so they would be hesitant during combat or strain fear when necessary – making people susceptible without realizing why at first glance. Other theories make reference Valknut made up Hrungnir heart mentioned by 13th century Prose Edda as being “made stone with three sharp point corners.
The symbol of the nine-pointed star seems to have known origins in Norse mythology, specifically relating to Odin and his role as an afterlife guide.
A bright light shines down on those who venture into Valhalla after death – although they will never see its source or owner obliviously called The Allfather because he himself can only be seen by Thor when their souls are weighed against gold rings that represent earthly possessions during life; so if one has nothing left behind then all memory about him/her must disappear for eternity…
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Norse Magic and the Runes
The history of the Norse people is rich and full, from their myths to this day. While they may be best known for Valhalla’s many halls or Thor’s Hammer Mjolnir it turns out that one Rune was created by accident – Halfdan Slimskin carved his initials into a tree when he cut himself off as punishment after pricking himself with an hidden needle while robbing foodstuffs at night!
Odin was a master of Seidr magic because he had knowledge and understanding in discerning what has been written.
When Viking men and women needed to affect the course of fate, they could use runes. For example in Saga Of Egil when his daughter is very ill heInvestigates finding one crudely carved on her bed with an unknown language but it has helped him before so he continues looking for answers which lead him here today.
The boy, trying to help the girl was not aware of just how dangerous his actions would be. As soon as he placed the rune on her skin an evil darkness began creeping up from within and it’s spreading across all parts like wildfire intent on destroying everything in sight! But there are still some good people around who know what must happen next- Egil himself comes forward with a new rune which will undo these ill effects if applied correctly before time runs out…
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