Two main formations of Valknut can be seen in History : either as Borromean (to the right below), or unicursal (to the left below). Each one can be seen in stone artwork, historic documents or even on old norse weapons.
The Valknut unicursal symbol as can be seen below is very unique in that it entwines the three triangles in such a way that it is very similar to a symbol of infinity. Whereas the borromean Valknut symbol to the right shows three separate, but still connected triangles showing what appears to be a bond on three levels.
The Valknut is a powerful old Norse viking occult symbol represented by the three interlocking triangles. In many images it can be seen as a representation of Odin and the afterlife. While the exact meaning of Valknut is unsure, however it is believed and indicated to symbolise the connectedness of the nine worlds represented in the vikings world.
Another belief for the Valknut symbol meaning was as a aid for reincarnation, cyclical relationships and in talismans to ward against evil.
Above – Odin with Sleipnir – Valknuts seen beneath the horse.
The Valknut symbol modernly can be seen in many artworks around the world, in tattoos and jewelry. To me the Valknut is one of the most powerful viking symbols. Its design is so unique, its look appealing and its meaning to me looks to represent a certain type of connectivity of everything, infinity and immortality.
Do you have a Valknut Symbol with Celtic designs ?
No i do not, but have been thinking of creating one..
have u made a valknut symbol with Celtic design yet
Great blog!!! Very informative and inciteful. Excellent!!!
Tim Hellerud, the valknut is an exclusively germanic symbol.
The Valknut is a Germanic/Scandinavian symbol associated with ritualistic human sacrifice to Odin, the Norse god of war (known as Woden in prehistoric Germania, or Woten in Anglo-Saxon England). Victims (often criminals, or, more often, prisoners of war; i.e., warriors captured from opposing armies) were either branded with, painted with, or had inscribed into their flesh the valknut (ON: val- death, sacrifice, slaughter + knut- knot). The knot is not much on warding off evil or functioning as a charm for good luck. All surviving representations of it (see Hammar’s stone, and the 13th century Heimskringla) in rockwork carvings and later literature see the valknut as an emblem of sacral death, a marking to be placed upon a victim who is soon to be offered to Odin. Scholarly suggestions also claim that the valknut may have been a ritual tattoo that berserkers -warriors who mocked death in battle by wearing minimal armor and fighting with wild, reckless abandon- wore to declare that their death-in-battle is a sort of sel-commission to their patron god, Odin.
you actually have you facts a little wrong there the valknut was worn by warriors giveing there life to odin the god of the HUNT, and the rune master, as tool of his will or soldiers to be called to his army at any time. enemies where not allowed to wear it.
Phil,
Odin isn’t THE Norse god of war, he is simply the Norse god most often called upon in warfare. All of the Æsir are warriors, and any of them can be called upon in battle. However, some are more skilled in certain areas than others.
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sleipnir,
Odin is usually NOT associated with hunting, if that’s what you’re alluding too. Yes, Odin leads the Wild Hunt, but he is not usually associated with hunting food. In fact, Odin is much more associated with warfare than he is with hunting. Of all the Æsir, Ullr is most associated with hunting and archery.