The three interconnected triangles are said to reflect the connection between earth, heaven and hell and symbolize fertility, rebirth and reincarnation. The nine points of the triangle, formed by the three intertwined triangles or lines, were associated with the nine worlds of Norse mythology and held in the branches of the world tree that is Yggdrasil. The symbol has also been associated as a part of Seidr magic, of which Odin was the master. Some scholars believe that it is a symbol of reincarnation, while others hold that it serves as a protective symbol of the dead soul from evil. Several theories have been proposed for the meaning of the Valknut. The particular meaning of the Valknut knot has remained a perplexing mystery to this day. Weaving in this symbolic sense and spiritual power were almost synonymous, so it is not surprising that a symbol involving power over life and death was visualized as a knot. They applied Norse magic and shamanism to discern the path of destiny and work within its structure to bring about change, which was done by symbolically weaving in new events. Odin was the god of war and was believed to be responsible for granting victory or causing defeat. In the literary sources, Odin and the spirits accompanying him, like the Valkyries, often use magic that enabled them to cast spells on the minds of the men in battle to render them helpless or, if necessary, to release them from the tension and strain. There they were to enjoy themselves until the arrival of Ragnarok, only to be called to battle again alongside the gods. The Vikings also believed that warriors who died bravely in battle were brought in Valhalla by Odin's servants, the Valkyries. The Valknut knot seems to be associated not only with death, but also with the death of a fallen warrior. His connection to death is represented by the fact that Odin was particularly known for being a soul guide, transferring the soul of the dead to the underworld and then transporting them back to the upper world. These include his connection with death, his wisdom and his self-sacrifice. Historically, the Valknut knot symbolizes all the virtues that distinguish him. Odin was one of the most powerful of all magicians and shamans. The man and the two ravens are most likely Odin and his two companions Huginn and Muninn. Next to it is a man with a spear, accompanied by another raven. The stone shows the image of Valknut's knot above a burial mound and below it is a raven. The Gothic effigy stone most clearly shows the connection between Odin and the Valknut, as they are depicted side by side in most stones. This symbol is often associated with the cult of the dead and similar symbols of the Anglo-Saxons, who had certain similarities with the Norse peoples due to their language and religion. The third and final triad symbolizes destruction but also new beginnings.Īn example of the Valknut symbol was found in the 7th century in Gotland, Sweden, on the Tängelgårda stone. One triad stands for Odin, Vili and Ve, (Odin and his brothers) and represents the triad of creation.Īnother triad stands for "being" or "is", and refers to the three fated women Urd, Verdandi and Skuld, who personify the past, present and future. The Valknut knot is considered a symbol of the three triads. This word is composed of "valr", warriors fallen in battle, and "knut", knot, and was introduced by the Norwegians long after the Viking Age.Īlthough this symbol is difficult to interpret because, as for any other symbol, there are countless interpretations, today this magical symbol is often associated with motifs such as battle, sacrifice, death in battle and the father of the gods Odin and his willingness to sacrifice. The name Valknut is not a traditional term from the time of the Vikings, but a modern Norwegian term given to the symbol, because this name does not appear in contemporary historical sources, so the origin of this word is unknown. In the archaeological sense, this symbol appears on several effigy stones, especially the Gothic effigy stones that date back to the Viking Age. Not only were they a powerful means of expressing ideas, but the Vikings also believed that symbols had mysterious powers. Therefore, its meaning is inferred from what is known about the Vikings. The Valknut appears in connection with death and burials throughout the Viking world, but is not mentioned in any surviving literary sources. This magical symbol consists of three interlocking triangles and visually has certain similarities with the triquetra. The Valknut, is one of the most studied and at the same time mysterious Germanic symbols related to the Norse culture and mythology of the Vikings.
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