Those who believe the valknut symbolizes the transition between life and death often ascribe it specifically to a warrior’s death. In Norse mythology, Odin only chose the most fierce warriors to go with him to Valhalla, and he sent his valkyries to retrieve them. Why do people get tattoos of the valknut symbol? See below Sacrifice, Specifically to Odin Therefore, any death associated with Odin would’ve been a warrior’s death. The justification for this meaning of the valknut comes primarily from the Stora Hammar stones. One of the images carved into the stone shows a sacrifice to Odin.Ī figure lies on a table near another figure with a spear. The spear-wielding figure may be cutting a Blood Eagle into the sacrificed figure’s back. Above the dying man is a large carving of the valknut. Hrungnir was a giant who Thor defeated in the Prose Edda’s “Skáldskaparmál.” The heart’s description is as follows: “Hrungnir had the heart which is notorious, of hard stone and spiked with three corners, even as the written character is since formed, which men call Hrungnir’s Heart.” Īs a result, some people think that’s the real meaning behind the valknut. However, most artifacts featuring it also feature Odin, not Hrungnir. Therefore, most serious Norse mythology and Viking scholars discount this meaning out of hand. These last two “meanings” of the valknut aren’t widely accepted. Though not as well known for his magical abilities as Loki, Odin was magical. He practiced a form of magic called Seidr. Many people think the valknut represents magical spells cast by Odin. Others assume the three triangles in the valknut represent: Additionally, a valknut carved into an ax or shield would “magically” protect the bearer. Therefore, a valknut on a burial stone could be a magical symbol that would lead the deceased back into a new life. Historians break these differences down into two distinct valknut styles: The valknut looks slightly different in many of the images in which it appears. The unicursal valknut is one cohesive symbol with no breaks. If someone were to draw it on paper, they’d never lift their pen. However, the tricursal valknut is three distinct triangles combined.Įither way, most people agree on what they think the symbol’s individual aspects represent. They attribute the nine triangle points to the nine worlds in Norse mythology. Is the valknut symbol controversial? See below Why Do People Get Tattoos of the Valknut Symbol? (Others call it Heaven, Earth, and Hell.) The three triangles are the three most famous worlds: Asgard, Midgard, and Niflheim (Hel). People get tattoos of the valknut for different reasons. Some do so in honor of a deceased friend, loved one, or fellow soldier. Others insist it represents reincarnation.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |