Two main formations of Valknut can be seen in History : either as Borromean (to the right below), or unicursal (to the left below). Each one can be seen in stone artwork, historic documents or even on old norse weapons.
The Valknut universal symbol as can be seen below is very unique in that it entwines the three triangles in such a way that it is very similar to a symbol of infinity. Whereas the borromean Valknut symbol to the right shows three separate, but still connected triangles showing what appears to be a bond on three levels.
The Valknut is a powerful old Norse viking occult symbol represented by the three interlocking triangles. In many images it can be seen as a representation of Odin and the afterlife. While the exact meaning of Valknut is unsure, however it is believed and indicated to symbolise the connectedness of the nine worlds represented in the vikings world.
Another belief for the Valknut symbol meaning was as a aid for reincarnation, cyclical relationships and in talismans to ward against evil.
Above – Odin with Sleipnir – Valknuts seen beneath the horse.
The Valknut symbol modernly can be seen in many artworks around the world, in tattoos and jewelry. To me the Valknut is one of the most powerful viking symbols. Its design is so unique, its look appealing and its meaning to me looks to represent a certain type of connectivity of everything, infinity and immortality.
Do you have a Valknut Symbol with Celtic designs ?
No i do not, but have been thinking of creating one..
have u made a valknut symbol with Celtic design yet
Great blog!!! Very informative and inciteful. Excellent!!!
Tim Hellerud, the valknut is an exclusively germanic symbol.
The Valknut is a Germanic/Scandinavian symbol associated with ritualistic human sacrifice to Odin, the Norse god of war (known as Woden in prehistoric Germania, or Woten in Anglo-Saxon England). Victims (often criminals, or, more often, prisoners of war; i.e., warriors captured from opposing armies) were either branded with, painted with, or had inscribed into their flesh the valknut (ON: val- death, sacrifice, slaughter + knut- knot). The knot is not much on warding off evil or functioning as a charm for good luck. All surviving representations of it (see Hammar’s stone, and the 13th century Heimskringla) in rockwork carvings and later literature see the valknut as an emblem of sacral death, a marking to be placed upon a victim who is soon to be offered to Odin. Scholarly suggestions also claim that the valknut may have been a ritual tattoo that berserkers -warriors who mocked death in battle by wearing minimal armor and fighting with wild, reckless abandon- wore to declare that their death-in-battle is a sort of sel-commission to their patron god, Odin.
you actually have you facts a little wrong there the valknut was worn by warriors giveing there life to odin the god of the HUNT, and the rune master, as tool of his will or soldiers to be called to his army at any time. enemies where not allowed to wear it.
Phil,
Odin isn’t THE Norse god of war, he is simply the Norse god most often called upon in warfare. All of the Æsir are warriors, and any of them can be called upon in battle. However, some are more skilled in certain areas than others.
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sleipnir,
Odin is usually NOT associated with hunting, if that’s what you’re alluding too. Yes, Odin leads the Wild Hunt, but he is not usually associated with hunting food. In fact, Odin is much more associated with warfare than he is with hunting. Of all the Æsir, Ullr is most associated with hunting and archery.
Yes very true …the “Wild Hunt”us nothing to do with any mortal concept of tracking game animals…more like a collection of souls…also …as a practitioner of asatru I feel very strongly about this symbol and would like to respond to Phil’s comments about it being considered a sacrificial symbol…I am unaware of any evidence of this statement and I say this respectfully and with an open mind as much of our modern practices have been reconstructed by painstakingly dissecting what little has survived directly discussing the gods and their attributes and by comparison to other better known pagan philosophies of the time and honestly I imagine most serious believers allow themselves to be guided by the gods and goddesses themselves as we immune with them and reach towards them…but to call the Valknut sacrificial would only be true in the sense that we see it as being directly connected to Odin and to wear it is a proclamation of ones dedication to the high one in life and in death..which isn’t the easiest of paths to choose …so maybe sacrificial in that sense …most archeological evidence of the symbol is from grave sites…urns …or rune stones also associated with death..but not necessarily sacrificial death and seemingly also to represent a possible journey back to the world of the living from death…proof beyond doubt is unavailable on this one but as it is a Matter of faith for me and others i must challenge that interpretation…but Sleipnir saying hat it wouldn’t have been worn by enemies isn’t necessarily accurate either…with the exception of a the conquest into Europe during the Viking age (which is an extremely small time period in the history of the Northern Europen tribes)most of the people the tribes would have had conflict with would have been their own neighboring communities and to suggest that the aesir only existed for the Vikings (which again is a name given to them history and not the name of Their race,it describes the activity of raiding)the symbolism and practices of faith would ya e existed for centuries untold before the age of raids in the British isles and so it would have been not only possible but highly likely for one northern Germanic tribal warrior to find a Valknut on his enemy,another northern Germanic tribal warrior…
Hrunger`s Heart – This Norse symbol was first found on old Norse stone carvings called The Valknut which is also called “Hrungnir’s heart,” for the giant Hrungnir of the Eddas and is best known as the Valknut, or”knot of the slain.” It has been found on several stone carvings visit funerary motifs, as is thought to signify the afterlife. The Valknut’s three interlocking shapes and nine points are sometimes used to represent the rebirth, pregnancy, and cycles of reincarnation.The nine points are also suggestive of the Nine Worlds. Their interwoven shape suggests also the interrelatedness of the three realms of earth, hell, and the heavens, and the nine domains they encompass. mknb
i heard it was a symbol odin gave to warriors to make them want to go to battle and fight
If you turn it upside down does it still have the same meaning? I wanted to use this symbol because turned upside down it looks like a “W”. I’m wary of using it if it will have a negative connotation. Also because I’ve read it’s linked to neonatzi groups as illustrated above. Please advise. Thanks!
I meant to write that I want to use it for a logo.
I know what you are saying Deborah.. In answer to this I will say, all symbols are, are interpretations of meanings we put on them. Meaning that if you see no meaning in a symbol it has little effect on anything, only if people believe in something does it give it power. Belief combined with visual intent of reaction being susceptible to its effects. Like thinking positive about something and that something being drawn into your life, that visual attraction creating that reality in a way. This could be said for using symbols in that process as well, however more so it is the positive or negative thought reaction to the thoughts and less so the reaction to the symbol itself.
Regards,
To me, the symbol always represented the bond between warriors, triangles pointing up signifying the ascension to the heavens when in combat. But I guess none of us will ever know the true meaning.
I have a, what appears to have been a little baby’s thin flannel lap throw with 3 three interlocking triangles, points upward with June 92 written below it. It’s the same colors as the stripes on the little throw that is about 3×3′. I’ve been drying my car with it and was cutting the ravelings off when I saw these triangles, I just wondered the meaning, or maybe it was the third baby in the family. Strange, I’ve had this for years and just today saw these triangles. Sort of scares me for some reason. Does anybody know if there is any meaning to this?
The three interfering triangle all it really is, is a meaning of worshipping your ancestors and or remembrance of your ancestors
some site say that i should not get this symbol as a tattoo..but i really like it so what should i do now?
Every tattoo is a big decision, however if you really like it, then I say why not get?
I mean, it is your decision and try not to be swayed by others opinions.
Regards,
It is believed by myself and others that there is power in the these symbols and with a symbol such as the Valknut that is deeply associated with Odin himself you might reconsider wearing an image that to him will mark you as being dedicated and prepared to go to your grave for him if so called …I understand that to you it might not represent what it would to me but the one you have to be concerned about is the all prevadiing spirit of the universe!!!
Just a thought
http://www.sunnyway.com/runes/tattoos.html
can u give me some advices?
As to the claims about the valknut been used to mark sacrificial victims or been tattooed in the bodies of warriors and berserkers. is there a source for such claims? Im interested in looking at them since Im attempting to gather all possible credible information about the possible meanings of the valknut. Thanks.
I also want to know the same what blackcrow just said, should I go for the tattoo as I really like it.
I have a Valknut tattoo done on my calf with three dragons heads around it in different colors to represent Earth Heaven and Hell (Earth-Green Air-Blue Fire-Red), to me it means inter-connected in mind body spirit, an honorable heart, and a protection of sorts!
Valknute means
I norrøn gudelære var de tre nornene skjebnegudinner / 3 female godest of fate.
som het / whos called
Urd (fortid) ( past)
Verdande (nåtid) (presents)
Skuld (framtid) (future)
What little research i have done points to the letter D, also Odin, bazerkers, the 9 realms, past, present, future, interconnected, devotion to elders, birth, life, and death, and lastly war.