Meanings of Viking Symbols and Tattoos

The Vikings were soldiers from Scandinavian countries such as Norway, Denmark and Sweden from 700 to 1100 A.D. (known as the "Viking era") who were famous for their maritime and navigational skills. Due to the enduring appeal of Viking Legends, they are popular materials for movies, comic books and tattoo art.

Nowadays, people of Nordic ancestry like to get Viking tattoos on their bodies to show their pride. Others like Viking tattoos because they are fascinated by Norse mythology, culture and beliefs.

Modern Viking tattoo designs do not actually come from the Viking era, but are mainly inspired by Norse mythology, including mythological objects, animals, symbols and weapons.

Viking tattoos include rune tattoo, Valknut tattoo, Viking compass tattoo, etc.

Viking Runes

Runes are the letters in a set of related alphabets known as runic alphabets. Before the Latin alphabet was adopted, these letters were used to write various Germanic languages, and then used for special purposes. Runes were used to name things and places 2000 years ago, provide protection, attract luck and wealth, and magically predict the course of future events. Every Viking rune represents different meanings, such as breakthrough, fertility, creation, endurance, self-reliance, success, honor, justice, authority and so on. Each of them symbolizes new changes in life and predictions for the nearest future.

The runes of Northern Europe were carved on cups, amulets, lintels of houses, and bows of Viking ships.

Valknut (Knot of the Slain)

Valknut is also known as Odin’s knot, Hrungnir’s heart, the knot of the slain warrior and the Heart of Val. Valknut is a symbol composed of three interlocking triangles. It appears on various objects in ancient Germanic archaeological records. The word Valknut is given by modern Norwegians and consists of the word "valr" and the knot "knut" for the slain warrior, meaning "knot of slain warriors". The soldiers killed were Odin's army.

Archeologically, Valknut mainly exists on some Viking steles and is related to tombs. It appeared on several Viking-era steles and pictorial memorial stones on Gotland, Sweden, and also on the tombs of the Osberg ship burial in Norway, where it was carved on the bedpost and appeared on On the tapestry.

Valknut seems to be associated with death, as well as Odin and the God of War. Now, the symbol of Valknut is reminiscent of courage and destiny throughout this life and the next.

In the modern sense, the Valknut logo is very popular in jewelry design, home design and tattoos. Because people who wear Valknut believe that with the help of Odin, they will be able to overcome any ups and downs in their lives.

Yggdrasil

Yggdrasil is also called the world tree or the tree of life. In Norse mythology, Yggdrasil is a strong and huge evergreen ash tree. Its trunk grows in the geographic center of the Norse spiritual cosmos. Its branches and roots connect the nine fields of the universe, connecting all parts of the universe to each other.

Yggdrasil represents the cycle of birth, growth, death and rebirth. It also represents the nature of the universe, the relationship between time and destiny, harmony and nature.

Just as the branches of a tree thrive and grow upward to the sky, in our lives, we will also work hard to acquire more knowledge, wisdom and new experiences and become stronger. Therefore, the tree of life also symbolizes our personal development, uniqueness and personal beauty. 

Vegvisir

Vegvisir, also known as the runic compass or the Viking compass, is composed of eight Viking runes and is a symbol of protection and guidance. It is believed that the Vikings used it as a compass. The word Vegvisir means "pathfinder" and "signpost" in Icelandic. It is believed that if you carry this sign, you will never get lost in a storm or bad weather, even if you don't know where to go.

Viking compass will offer you protection and will allow you not to lose your way during storms and bad weather, even if you do not know of your destination. Therefore, many people get it tattooed, so that they will never lose the path of justice and prosperity.

Helm of Awe

Aegishjalmr, or Helm of Awe, is the magical symbol of protection and victory in Iceland. This symbol is to protect the fighters in battle, and also to give them courage and strength to ensure that they defeat the enemy. This symbol can also be used to give people the perseverance to overcome fear. This is also a sign of a dominant position in a conflict. Not only that, but it also represents the ability to cause fear in others and suppress one's inner fear.

Many Viking warriors painted, tattooed or carved this symbol on their foreheads between their eyes or arms before fighting. They believed that this would protect them or give them the courage to defeat any enemy they might face, and create fear in the enemy's heart.

The Horns of Odin

The Horns of Odin (also referred to as the horn triskelion or the triple-horned triskele) is a symbol comprised of three interlocking drinking horns. The exact meaning of the symbol is not clear, but it may imply that Odin stole "the Mead of Poetry". The triskelion is literally three meads in their three horn, called Óðrœrir, Boðn and Són. In Norse Viking mythology, the mead of poetry is a symbol of wisdom and poetical inspiration. The Horns of Odin is also known as a symbol of wisdom.

Mjölnir

In Norse mythology, Mjolnir (Thor's Hammer) is depicted as one of the most terrifying and powerful weapons in existence. Thor was the son of Odin and Fyorgyn (a.k.a., Jord) the earth goddess. He is the god of thunder and protector of mankind. He is one of the most popular characters in Norse mythology. It is believed that carrying the symbol of Thor's Hammer can provide protection and strength to its holder.