The popularity of the Vikings these days is easy to explain. Popular culture portrays them as brave, desperate and warlike people. We are enticed by the mysticism of the runes, the romance of the ancient sagas, and the rhythmic lines of the Elder and Younger Eddas. Scandinavian symbols are inextricably linked to this layer of culture.
The Vikings series is a prime example of the depiction of Scandinavians in pop culture.
In this article we will reveal the meaning of ancient Nordic amulets, tattoos and symbols, as well as look at a modern symbol, the Scandinavian cross, with which the lives of modern Vikings are in one way or another connected.
At the same time we will try to dispel some misconceptions sown by mass culture and try to understand what the stern warriors were really like, what they believed in, what they worshipped. This will be interesting!
Worldview of the ancient Scandinavians
What does the average person know about the ancient Scandinavian tribes? They were Vikings, sailors and warriors. They believed in the Aesir gods who lived in Asgard, on top of the world tree Yggdrasil. Brave warriors who fell in battle, according to their belief, went to Valhalla and everyone else to Hel. In fact, this is not entirely true.
"The Eddas," from which all of this is taken, reflect the beliefs of only one group of people in Scandinavia - those very Vikings - in the ninth and eleventh centuries. However, the words "Scandinavian" and "Viking" are not synonymous. Scandinavians are all people living in Denmark, Sweden, Norway, and Iceland. In the Viking Age there were many common people among them who were by no means eager to fall in battle. Among the gods, they no longer worshipped the warlike Odin and Thor, but the peace-loving Freyr, for example. So the Scandinavian amulets are not only in the "Eddas" and sagas, a lot of interesting and, most importantly, reliable, information can be learned from the ethnographers.
The word "Viking" in fact it meant the same thing as "pirate" or "robber.
Most of the Vikings were still Scandinavians, but there were representatives of other Baltic peoples among them as well:
- The Vends, or Western Slavs;
- Couronians, ancestors of Lithuanians and Latvians;
- Esti and other Finnish tribes.
The common farmers, as well as the feudal rulers, treated the Vikings with little warmth. Often they assembled militias or hired some Vikings to massacre others. It is worth recalling the same "invocation of the Vikings" from the history of Rus'.
The Vikings could even be sent to the scaffold for jewelry, because these people were essentially considered pirates, and doing business with them was also regarded as a crime in many places.
The common Scandinavians and other Germanic tribes had a worldview similar to that of the Slavs or Celts. These people believed that the world was created from the body of the giant Ymir, and therefore animate. They made offerings to good spirits and gods to protect them from evil forces (trolls) and were afraid of black magic, machinations of the dark forces, from which they defended themselves with runes or averters.
Through Time, or the Fine Art of the Vikings
Soulless barbarians or subtle creators? Today I dipped into the subject of what art was like in Viking times.
I decided to do some research on the Internet and this is what I found. There were six main artistic styles in the age of the kings of the sea:
- Broa (Usberg).
- Borre
- Yelling
- Mammen
- Ringerike
- Urnes
1. broa (Usberg)
This style is characterized by the depiction of wavy lines of different thicknesses, asymmetrical figures and ornaments.
And here is a modern work in this style. This is an interpretation of an archaeological find. The image of the beast in the form of a figure of eight is a characteristic feature of the Broa style.
The style received its name after the Useberg ship burial found. The ship itself and numerous wooden objects on it were decorated with carvings. The photo shows the sled of Shetelig.
By the way, it is about 834 A.D. An example of the fact that the main thing is to have your hands come from the right place, not the newfangled tools.
2. The Borre style.
The main difference from the previous one is the absence of linear ribbon patterns. A characteristic feature - zoomorphic images, in which the heads of animals in the foreground. This style was displayed on jewelry, horse equipment.
Modern interpretations
3. Yelling style
Royal style. Found things in the Yelling style were intended for the higher classes. These are tableware, jewelry, decorative elements made with great artistic taste. Often items were covered with gilding. The style received its name after the silver bowl found in the royal burial mound in Jellinge (Denmark).
The main difference from the previous two - the head of the beast is depicted in profile. Often the animals were depicted looking in opposite directions. In the style of Yelling, there are plant elements, scrolls.
4. The Mammen style.
This is a continuation of the Yelling style. But its distinctive feature is a large torso of the beast, the lack of symmetry and a greater bias in the vegetative elements.
The style takes its name from the find in Mamenne (Middle Jutland). It is an elaborately decorated axe.
Another example is the Kammen casket
Modern works of craftsmen in the style of Mammen
5. Ringerike style
Received its name from the carved runic stone found.
The characteristic feature is the spiral-shaped image of the hip of the beast.
Another find that vividly represents the Ringerike style is a weathervane from Sjöderal (Sweden).
Several contemporary works in the Ringerike style
6. Urnes style.
These are refined and flowing lines of floral ornamentation, thin animal bodies, spiraling dragons. It is considered the most common style of its era. A striking confirmation is the fragments of the wooden church of Urnes in Western Norway.
Another feature of the style is asymmetry, loops in the form of a figure of eight, equal expansions and contractions of lines.
A rune stone in Denmark depicts the Great Mother of the Gods, the "serpent goddess" of the Scythians, surrounded by snakes and lions.
I found most of my contemporary work in this style.
Art is an integral part of every era. Despite wars and physically demanding lives, every nation developed in creativity, perfected its skills and exchanged knowledge.
Which of the described styles appealed to you?
Inspiration to you, friends!
And good mood!
A general introduction to the symbols and runes of the Scandinavians
God Odin on the World Tree.
According to the Eddas, the god Odin gained knowledge of the runes after he was crucified for nine days on the Yggdrasil, the world tree. Esotericists believed that the runes are more than twenty thousand years old. Modern scientists have a more modest opinion. Based on archaeological evidence, it is believed that the runic writing comes from one of the variations of the Etruscan alphabet.
This people, who lived in Italy before the rise of Rome, were known for their wisdom. The Etruscans also controlled the amber trade along the so-called Amber Route from the Baltic to the Adriatic Sea. The Germanic barbarians learned a lot from their civilized neighbors, including writing. Anyway, the runes are still very ancient and powerful Viking signs, according to the most conservative calculations they are more than 2000 years old.
Each rune has its own meaning. Scandinavian amulets based on runes look quite different depending on the purpose for which they are made. The meaning of the symbols changed even because of the order in which the signs that make them up were drawn.
With the help of runes and their combinations was possible to learn the future, to achieve happiness in his personal life, invincibility in battle. Various combinations of these symbols were used even when the Scandinavians long ago converted to Christianity.
But Scandinavian jewelry consisted not only of runes. The more simple talismanic signs which were also known among the Slavs, Celts and Romans were not less common among the Germanic peoples. In this way, the talismans were also made by carving them in wood or by making them in silver.
Scandinavian runes and their meaning
The most recognizable Scandinavian signs are, of course, the runes. You can use them, in general, for any purpose. Most often they are used for:
- protection of the home from theft and evil forces;
- success in difficult undertakings;
- health and youth extension;
- protection on the road;
- to obtain wealth and power.
Runes can be carved or drawn on any item of clothing, except those used for "dirty" purposes: feeding animals or the satisfaction of natural needs. The best known way to apply the symbols is with runescript - you simply draw the signs you want in a certain order. Signs that mutually reinforce each other can be combined into a runic Scandinavian ligature.
Before making an amulet, you need to study the special literature. In the art of erylei (as they called the connoisseurs of the runes) is a lot of nuances. If you don't take them all into account, you will get at best just an ornament. At worst, a cursed object that will bring misfortune.
Top of the most famous Scandinavian amulets
A person who is interested in Scandinavian symbols and their meaning should remember a few important things.
- Not all of the well-known symbols have the same lettering and meaning as they did in ancient times. This should not embarrass you: traditional magic, contrary to popular belief, is constantly changing. It implies creativity within the ancient system, not blindly copying it.
- Not all Viking amulets come from Scandinavia. In one grave of a warrior from that era, scholars even found a statue of Buddha, and in another, a Muslim "hand of Fatima. What to say about the nations closer to the Scandinavians - continental Germans, Celts and Slavs. The same amulet could be the "Thor's hammer" for a Scandinavian, and the "Perun's axe" for a Slav.
- Scandinavian amulets are very strong and have a powerful, militant energy. Work with them demands careful observance of magical rules, and also serious mystical experience.
What amulets are primarily associated with Scandinavian culture?
Thor's Hammer
Perhaps the most recognizable and famous amulet of the Vikings. Outwardly resembling an anchor. It symbolizes courage, valor, and protection. Will suit men, especially those who by virtue of their profession need courage, will to win, "an internal core. This, for example, athletes, soldiers and officers, rescue workers, firefighters, law enforcement officers, doctors and surgeons.
Thor - benevolent god, defender of ordinary people from the demons - trolls, snakes, giants. Scandinavians attributed their influence on many misfortunes of peasant life: natural disasters, drought, diseases of livestock and crops. Therefore it was believed that Thor's hammer, fighting the forces of evil without a miss, scares away all such plagues. In the same way, the god of thunder promoted fertility (although here he was often replaced by Freyr).
On the amulet, you can additionally place symbols of Thor, runes Turisaz or Teivaz. They will additionally strengthen the talisman. Ideal materials are silver, iron, and copper. Do not draw snakes or dragons on the hammer - they will weaken the energy of the symbol.
The tree of life
Perhaps the most universal image, known to all peoples around the world. The Scandinavians called the world tree "Yggdrasil", the continental Germans "Irminsul". It means "the horse of Odin," because the supreme god of Asgard sort of "saddled" it when he crucified himself on it.
By the way, it is fundamentally wrong to believe that the myth of the World Tree is merely the spawn of ignorance. Hardly anyone in their right mind would think they lived in a tree. In fact, the Tree is more of a poetic metaphor and at the same time a symbol of the spiritual world order. It connects nine worlds, including ours, the human world. A shaman or a god can wander through it, spiritually visiting different worlds.
Accordingly, the Tree of Life represents life, wisdom, and providence. It is also a symbol of the universal law that binds all living things. It is a powerful amulet.
Helmet of Terror
The Helmet of Terror, or, in Icelandic, Agishjalm, is a galdrastav, that is, a circum-runic symbol. Such signs are not unique to Scandinavia; they are known throughout northern Europe. On the shores of the White Sea, for example, similar pictograms were used by artels of fishermen until the twentieth century. Agishjalm is mentioned in the sources as a powerful military amulet.
It was attributed the ability to weaken the enemy, to inspire fear and weakness. It was applied to the body, weapons, and armor. When the Viking Age came to an end, it was used to ward off evil spirits and thieves. By the way, the already mentioned fishermen of the Russian North put a semblance of a guildrust on their boats precisely as both a signature and protection against theft.
For a modern person it would mean the same thing as for a peaceful Scandinavian peasant. But one should be careful - the galdrastaves are very powerful; they can take away the power of an unworthy person.
The symbol of the Valknut.
Modern esotericists link this sign with the god Odin and considered one of the symbols of Yggdrasil (a valcnut has nine corners, as nine worlds connected by a tree). The name of the sign is translated as "the knot of the fallen". This may be what is meant by the name "Heart of Hrungnir" in the Younger Edda.
The problem is that there is no clear description of what this symbol should even look like. In the form in which it is now known, the valcnut has been around for a very long time, as far back as the Roman era among the continental Germanic tribes. At the same time archaeological finds are silent, because they are not signed by anyone.
The symbol of the grave is the same as any other unconfirmed sources, and you should use it at your own risk. If you do decide to do so, the symbol's meaning is about the same as that of the Tree of Life - wisdom, discernment, law and order.
Black Sun
A very dubious mark. It is often associated with the Scandinavians and Germans in general, but there are almost no examples of its use in archaeological finds. Scholars now tend to think that this is a little-known Roman symbol of the sun, which sometimes fell into the hands of Germanic tribes in trade or raids.
The fact that this symbol was often used by the SS troops does not give the sign any more moral purity in our eyes. The Nazis took it not from historical literature, but from the works of 19th century occultists, who believed that it signified wisdom, secret knowledge, and magical abilities.
Historical analogues of the "Black Sun" are known from the Germans and Slavs, but they looked a little different (not with bent, but with straight or rounded lines).
Serpent ring Ouroboros
Another "gift" to the Germanic peoples from the Celts. Means the cycle of things in the world and within the human soul. The amulet gives the wearer intuition, prudence, sanity.
Also, the snake is considered a symbol of wisdom and magic. Therefore, this amulet is especially helpful to people who are just starting their journey in esotericism. He will help them find the right mentor, give them confidence and insight.
Celtic Knots
Up until the conquest of Gaul by Caesar in the middle of the first century BC, the Celts were more powerful and advanced than the Germans. Not surprisingly, first the continental Saxons, Allemans and Bavarians, and after them the Scandinavians began to use Celtic magic, which had outlived its creators, the Druids of Gaul, by more than a thousand years. The Vikings knit protection knots very eagerly, and also depicted them on their weapons, houses and tools.
Especially popular with peaceful people were the so-called Luga knots, which ensured fertility and a good harvest. For a marriage to be strong, they used love knots. The Vikings also used the guardian knot "Guardian", which is a fairly accurate depiction of a dog. He was known in Slavic countries, where he symbolized the protection of prosperity and fertility.
Sun Wheel
As with other peoples of the world, the Scandinavian wheel symbolized the sun. Carved images of the sun decorated homes and kitchen utensils. This talisman meant wealth, success, prosperity.
Also, a solar amulet was a powerful protection against evil forces. As the first rays of dawn drive away the night, and miniature "sun" on the chest takes away from the bearer of the evil force and black magic.
Loki amulet
Loki's amulet symbolizes cunning, resourcefulness, good luck, and a sense of humor. This god was not so much evil as a joker and a lover of practical jokes. Rather, it was the story that he would lead the armies of darkness during Ragnarök, the end of the world, that brought the deity notoriety. However, it is believed that it was inserted into the Eddas by Christian monks to weaken the cult of Loki.
The Loki talisman is very different in appearance and style from other Germanic amulets. If one wants to find a mate, one should make a symbol of the mischievous god and wear it for about a month, and then take it off for a while afterwards. The amulet should not be worn daily.
Double Axe.
Also a non-Germanic symbol in origin. This time, for a change, he came to Scandinavia not from the Celts, but from the Romans. To them it came from the Greeks, and to the Greeks it came from the ancient priestesses of Crete. There this symbol was called the labris.
It means the fusion of the male and the female, the wholeness and completeness. It is also a symbol of justice and fairness. The amulet is suitable for people in power, will not succumb to its temptations and remain worthy of their position.
Trefot .
A trefot, or triskelion as the Celts said, means a combination of the elements of earth, water and air. Perhaps one of the most famous European symbols - found everywhere from Spain to the Urals, changing only the names and variations.
This amulet will turn away trouble, give confidence in their abilities. He will help find peace and tranquility and mental balance, which is so important in our hectic world. An excellent choice for both men and women.
The wolf cross
The wolf was revered as the totem animal of the mightiest warriors. But the talismans wolf's fang or wolf's cross will not suit everyone. Weak in spirit will be suppressed and enslaved by their powerful energy.
If you are confident that you can handle it, then the talisman will be a reliable protection for you. It is especially good for people who travel a lot, like sailors or long-haul truckers. Thanks to him you will always come back unharmed.
It is believed that from the wolf symbol came the modern Scandinavian cross, a symbol firmly embedded in Scandinavian culture.
Popular Scandinavian talismans
Helmet of Terror (Agisjalm).
It was invented by Thor along with his father Odin.
It is the talisman of a warrior (less often, a strong wizard). He helps strengthen the courage, fortitude and determination of his wearer, to weaken his enemies.
In ordinary life, it can be worn by strong individuals, confidently going to his goal. He helps:
- Convince people of your rightness;
- Win arguments;
- cleanse your aura from other people's negativity, save your own energy from various "vampires".
Thor's Hammer
Thor is one of the sons of the supreme god Odin. This personality should not be confused with a character from the Marvel Universe. Thor traveled through the sky on a bronze chariot, his racers were two goats, and the approach of the god was signaled by the whistles of copper teapots adorning the chariot. With his hammer Thor not only smote enemies, but also revived animals, made dry land fertile, blessed marriages and protected the poor.
Vikings used to decorate their drakkars with the image of a hammer, believing that the talisman would help them get home sooner. They also wore the hammer as a pendant on a lanyard or carved on a shield or the hilt of a sword. In general, it is a a source of courage and strength..
Valcnut
In this amulet, nine peaks are intertwined (by the number of worlds that pierce the Scandinavian tree Yggdrasil). Valcnut helps to know them all, that is, it is a A symbol of wisdom and also a source of energy for the different worlds..
Odin himself created this symbol after spending 9 days on the sacred tree, learning about himself and the essence of existence.
The valknut consists of 8 pointed algis (protective spears). Often they are enclosed in circles. The more of them, the stronger the protective function of the amulet.
Black Sun
The gods created this talisman for humans as protection and support..
It helps:
- survive a bad harvest;
- defeat enemies, successfully defend your home, and if you are a peaceful person, then do not get hurt;
- to continue your lineage.
And the Slavs believed that the Black Sun is also a link with their ancestors. Dead relatives were considered powerful and wise, to them turned in difficult situations. A person who wore such an amulet had the strongest connection with the ancestors.
By the way! Images of these talismans can be combined in one amulet. So you will be able to strengthen its action. For example, here is how a double amulet looks like - the Hammer of Thor in the Black Sun:
Other talismans
- Thor's Cross, or Wolf's Cross. A cross with a wolf's head, a sign of protection on the road. Suitable for truckers, drivers, sailors, business travelers, tourists.
- Double Axe. Leader, ruler, winner. Gives unshakable determination, increases strength (both internal and physical).
- Throne of Odin .. Sign of great income, high position in society, power.
- Wheel of the Sun .. Symbol of a family man. Attracts comfort, prosperity, and well-being in the family.
- Ring of the serpent. (Oroboro). Helps in solving difficult problems, in an easy way to get rid of problems.
- Eye of Odin.. Teaches to feel the future, to gain knowledge, it is easy to separate the important from the secondary.
- Yggdrasil (Tree of Life). Protection for the soul. The Scandinavians believed that a person who wore such an amulet would be very happy in the next life.
- Freyr. Sign of masculinity. Helps a man to create a family, conceive healthy children, and earn a lot of money.
The Scandinavian cross: a modern symbol
You might think that the cross means Christian faith, but that's not always the case. The Scandinavian cross is a traditional symbol derived from the "wolf cross" of the Vikings. It is present on the flags of all Scandinavian states, as well as Finland and several Northern European provinces. The emblem symbolizes not only commitment to Christianity, but also the preservation of loyalty to the old traditions.
Flag of Finland. The Nordic cross is also emblazoned on the flags of Denmark, Sweden, Norway and Iceland.
We can say that the Nordic cross is a modern symbol of the Vikings. Of course, those times are long gone, but the descendants of brave pirates and sailors still live in their countries. They love and honor traditions, and recently many are returning to the beliefs of their ancestors. Perhaps we will still hear about new glorious deeds of these amazing peoples, but for now you can just use their strongest magical heritage.
What style of tattoo is suitable for such tattoos
The Scandinavian tradition is firmly entrenched in the modern world. In addition to the usual Celtic style, the Scandinavian tattoo today is used in a realistic or even anime style. Inspiration is often drawn from contemporary cinema, cartoons and TV series, where the main characters are courageous and ferocious Vikings. Men's tattoos emphasize courage and determination of the owner.
For girls, too, close runic amulets, because the Vikings had women who fought in battles on a par with male warriors. Successful female warriors were respected, winning their equality in real battles. For modern ladies are close to the theme of independence, so in search of a suitable sketch for a tattoo, they turn to the Scandinavian motifs.
Good to know!
You should not do Scandinavian tattoo people indecisive and weak in spirit, for which the moral attitudes of the ancient Vikings are not close.
Viking tattoos and their meaning today
Contrary to the stereotype, it is unknown if the Vikings wore tattoos. Some sources mention "symbols" on the skin of warriors, but it is unclear whether these were really tattoos or temporary patterns for some purpose. Like many ancient warriors, the Scandinavians painted their bodies and faces before battle. But if you want your Scandinavian amulets to be with you always - why not?
A tattoo with a Scandinavian runic compass will help you choose the right course in life.
People trying to practice Scandinavian paganism now - so called asatru - tattoos are common. These are usually either runic symbols, images of the gods, or quotes from the Eddas, which the person has chosen as his or her life credo. Also common are:
- An image of Odin, giving the wearer wisdom. Various attributes of this god are also applied, such as the eight-legged stallion Sleipnir or the crows Huginn and Muninn.
- Images of Frigg or Freya, designed to help in family matters.
- Wolves and sea monsters symbolizing unbridled power.
- Runic compass, helping to find goals in life.
- Protective signs and symbols not related to runes, but known in Scandinavian culture.
When applying tattoos, you should remember that an image that is unsuitable for you in nature can be harmful. You should also remember that Scandinavian symbols are largely pagan religious signs. How compatible are they with your religion? To a Christian or Muslim believer, for example, pagan symbols are more likely to harm than help.
If that's not a problem, then feel free to choose your own symbol and let it help you in your life's journey.
