This powerful symbol could help a person to find the right way in storms or bad weather whatever unfamiliar surroundings he or she may encounter. Norse people believed that the Vegvisir had special powers and it was treated like talisman for luck, protection and blessings. The Vegvisir was like a guide helping its bearer to find his way home.
The device was believed to show the way back home and protect seamen and their ships from storms. The symbol was frequently inscribed on seagoing vessels to insure their safe return home. Vegvisiris among the oldest and sacred Norse symbols and it initially originated from Iceland, where ‘Vegur' means - road or path and ‘Vísir’ means – Guide. Read moreġ0 Ancient Celtic Symbols Explained 10. Vegvisir – Runic Compass The Gungnir never missed its mark and like Mjölnir, the hammer of Thor, it always returned to Odin. Gungnirwas a magical weapon created by the dwarves and given to Odin by Loki.
Library of Congress John Adams Building, Washington, D.C. Left: Gungnir - Viking symbol Right: Odin (1939). In Norse mythology there are some tales describing God’s quest for the Odhroerir, a magical mead brewed from the blood of the wise god Kvasir. There are several account of the tale, but typically, Odin uses his wits and magic to procure the brew over three days time the three horns reflect the three draughts of the magical mead. The symbol consists of three interlocked drinking horns, and is commonly worn or displayed as a sign of commitment to the modern Asatru faith. The horns figure in the mythological stories of Odin and are recalled in traditional Norse toasting rituals. The Triple Horn of Odin is yet another symbol of the great Norse God Odin. Uggly Trolls – Fascinating Mythical Creatures Of Scandinavia It was worn by Scandinavian people as a protection against trolls and elves. The troll cross is an amulet made of a circle of iron crossed at the bottom in a shape of an odal rune. 7. Troll Cross – Norse Symbol Protecing Against Trolls And Elves Norse people believed that everything we do in life affects future events and thus, all timelines, the past, present and future are connected with each other. With its nine stave, the Web of Wyrd is a matrix of fate that represents past, present and future events in a person’s life. The Norns were goddesses who ruled the fates of people, determined the destinies and lifespans of individuals. In Norse mythology the concept of fate is reflected by the Web of Wyrd that is created by the Nornswho were known as ‘Shapers of Destiny. Left: Web Of Wyrd (Skuld’s Net) Right: The Norns In Norse myths it is said that the Helm of Awe symbol was worn between the eyes to cause fear in your enemies, and to protect against the abuse of power. The Norse word for this very important symbol (Ægishjálmr or Aegishjalmur) is translated in English "helm of awe" or "helm of terror." The meaning of the name awe is to strike with fear and reverence to influence by fear, terror or respect as, his majesty awed them into silence. The Helm of Awe is one of the most powerful protective Viking symbols used not only for the purpose of protection from disease, but even to encourage all people who might suffer from depression or anxiety. 4. The Helm Of Awe - Viking Symbol For Protection In modern times Valknut, like Triquetra and Horn Triskelion, is often interpreted as a symbol pointing to heathen convictions. In this case, the symbolism in Norse mythology showing three multiplied by three might designate the nine worlds, which are united by the Yggdrasil tree. Read moreĪ Valknut is made of three parts, and the number three is a very common magic symbol in many cultures. 1000 on, Vikings wore Thor’s Mjölnir as well as a cross on a chain or thong around their necks. Wearing Thor’s hammer as an amulet of protection was quite common as this was probably the most popular of all the pagan Viking symbols. Mjölnir, was a magical weapon that always came back to Thor when he threw it. One Norse story tells what happened when when he lost his precious hammer. Thor’s hammer, Mjölnir is depicted in Norse mythology as one of the most fearsome weapons, capable of leveling mountains. Thor who was the storm-weather god of sky and thunder and also a fertility god, was the son of Odin and Fyorgyn, the earth goddess. Thor, ancient god of war is one of the most prominent figures in Norse mythology. Mjölnir means lightning, and Thor’s hammer indicates the god’s power over thunder and lightning. Right: A 10th century Thor's Hammer (Mjölnir) from Odeshog, Sweden Left: Drawing of a Viking Age gold-plated silver Mjölnir pendant (length 4.6 cm) found at Bredsätra in Öland, Sweden, now kept in the Swedish Museum of National Antiquities.