Norse culture is heavily reliant on symbols, as it is a representation of their faith and beliefs. The symbols hold a lot of meaning and are meant to succinctly communicate Norse wisdom. They were associated with gods and mythology and a way to connect the deities to their powers.
Viking runes were used to create a rich tapestry of symbology that was grounded in both fortune-telling and preserving their mythology. The meanings of these symbols are still debated, but there is clear evidence to reinforce their definitions. There is also debate in the origin of these ancient symbols and their creation.
The Web of wyrd is a complex interwoven symbol that is representative of the complexities of the fates. It is a representation of the past, present, and future. The interconnections in the symbol depict the unending connections that life and destiny have in the lives of mortals.
Gungnir is Odin's magical spear and a representation of absolute power and authority. It is carved by dwarves – the most powerful in the realm. The point of the spear has powers that improve its aim and speed.
Huginn and Muninn represent Odin's ravens as well as the concept of duality. Ravens hold special significance in Norse mythology as a representation of death and transformation. Huginn is the representation of thought while Muninn and memory are symbolic of thought and memory.
Mjolnir is the name of Thor's hammer. It is a magical weapon that acts as a boomerang - it always returns to his hand. The symbol has also been depicted as a symbol of fertility, and often found in weddings and homes.
The sleep thorn, or Svefnthorn was commonly used as a weapon to induce sleep in enemies. The idea was that they would sleep so deeply, they would have trouble waking up. There is another variation of the symbol that is often found, making it even harder to decipher.
The triple horn of Odin is an emblem of Odin. It depicts three interlocked horns that are drinking vessels. These are traditional to Norse toasting rituals and are connected to the myths of Odin's quest to attain magic mead, or draughts in Norse mythology.
The Vegvisir is a symbol to help find one's path, also known as the Viking compass and a symbol for protecting one's self. It is a representation of the different paths to take, and a guide to mortals. The vegvisir literally translates into Way guide.
The Yggdrasil is at the center of both worlds: immortal and mortal. Its roots represent the nine realms of existence, both the seen and unseen worlds. It represents a central tenet for much of Norse mythology - each and everything is in a constant state of transformation.
Odin's knot or the Valknut, is a symbol of life and death. In Norse mythology, one of Odin's abilities is to guide souls to the afterlife. This is a reference to warriors brought to Valhalla that were connected to Odin's Valkyries.
A number of history-long stories of the Viking warfare were told. The Viking warriors were so famed in their courage that they were included in a mythology.
When it comes to weapons, the Vikings possessed better technology, turning them into outstanding warriors, who still remain in oblivion, ten centuries later.
Viking runes were not meant to be used on a regular basis. The history of the Northmen was conveyed orally, and runes were only used to document significant events. Let us delve into the captivating realm of the Viking alphabet.
