

The symbol of three interlocking horns is based on a very ancient symbol that dates back to 6000 BCE. However, we can learn more about its positive history as an ancient image. Sadly, this symbol is still used by hate groups and we don’t want to encourage its use. Archaeologists have found numerous examples of the Swastica in Germanic cultures and believed it was used as a funeral symbol.Ī grave boat dating from around 600 AD was found in England that had numerous carvings of Swastika’s.Ī sword dating back to the 5th century found in England had a mix of runes and Swastika’s carved upon it. The Nordic people saw it as representing lightning bolts and is connected with Thor, God of the Sky. They stopped using the symbol after WWII.

The Navajo culture seems it as whirling logs which also symbolize luck, friendship, and prosperity. Dharmic religions saw it as a symbol of divinity and good luck where it is still used in Hindu wedding ceremonies. It is however an ancient religious symbol of luck, power, holiness, and fire that dates back over 7000 years. Today Germany bans the display of this symbol. Unfortunately, this symbol was appropriated by the Nazis during WWII and became a symbol for their evil racist beliefs. Vikings later started battles in this manner to honor Odin and bring victory to the fight. The Æsir-Vanir War between the Norse Gods was described in the Poetic Edda poem Völuspá, and describes Odin throwing his spear over the heads of the Vanir Gods. When they die valiantly they will be taken to Valhalla. The magic within the sword draws soldiers to it and towards Odin. Gungnir is an Old Norse word that means “swaying” and is pronounced “GUNG-neer”. It was made by dwarves and has runes carved on the point that make it more accurate than a “normal” sword. Gungnir is the name of Odin's Spear and is a symbol of authority, power, and protection. Odin placed the ring on the funeral pyre of his son Baldur. Like many magical objects, they were made by dwarves.ĭraupnir represents sacrifice and kingship. However, the new rings do not have magical abilities. This symbolizes abundance and the gaining of knowledge. The rind has the ability to multiply itself and every ninth-night forms eight new rings. Warriors later wore the symbol on their helmets.ĭraupnir, which means The Dripper in Old Norse, was Odin’s gold ring. Sigurd killed the dragon and ran off with Aegishjalmur. In the Poetic Edda, the Helm is stolen from the dragon Fáfnir’s lair. The number eight also references Odin’s eight-legged horse Sleipnir. It also was written in the Prose Edda and Poetic Edda.Ī symbol of power and protection the Aegishjalmur is often shown as a circle with eight tridents radiating from its center. A sigil, like the Vegvisir it comes from the Huld Manuscript written around 1860. The Helm of Awe or Aegir's Helmet is also sometimes referred to as the Helm of Terror. Here is a list of common Norse symbols listed in alphabetical order. For example, the Wolf is very much represented in Nordic Mythology and is a totem and spirit guide. The Norse religion also has many symbols associated with it. We see these in cultures around the world and they make it easy to identify something about a person.Ĭhristians often wear crosses to symbolize Jesus just as Wiccans wear the pentacle. Symbols are objects that represent something. This article introduces you to 16 Norse symbols, their stories, and why they are popular today. Rich in ancient stories and symbolism these objects help us to understand and honor the Nordic Gods and Goddesses. There are many symbols that when we see them we immediately think of the culture they come from.
