Norse Mythology Symbols and Meanings

Hello, fellow Vikings! Many of you have bought some of the Viking items with Norse symbols from our store, but do you know their meaning?

In this article, we will shed some light on the most famous Norse (or Nordic) mythological symbols nowadays and tell you a bit more of their meanings. Every true fan of Viking culture enjoys wearing clothing and accessories with tattoos and symbols from Norse mythology. They look cool, but not all of you are aware of their meanings.

Today we are going to change that. After you finish reading this article, you will be able to choose your Viking gear not only by the looks of items you like, but also by their meaning. 

Let's dive in!

Are all of the Norse (Nordic) Mythology Symbols Really "Original"?

Norsemen believed in many Gods. Norsemen believed in destiny. They also thought that different symbols would help them overcome their problems. Nowadays, those symbols are known as the Norse mythology symbols, and they still hold immense power for us who believe in them.

However, were all of these symbols indeed used back in the Viking era? We can't say for sure, and here is why:

Some Norse mythological symbols were definitely used throughout history, but there is no written evidence that Norsemen used them. Their original meanings are nothing more than the educated guesses of historians and archaeologists.

Here is an example:

Helm of Awe (Old Norse Œgishjalmr), Viking Compass (Icelandic: Vegvísir), and Troll Cross are among the most famous symbols in the modern culture associated with Norse mythology. However, there is no proof they were used by Norsemen.

Troll Cross is connected to the modern Swedish folklore, while the other two were discovered within the 16th-century literature originating in Iceland. Even though we know that the highest percentage of people from Iceland have Viking origins, there is still no proof that those symbols were used before the 16th century. 

 

A Brief Introduction to Norse (Nordic) Mythology Symbols

Vikings considered Norse symbols as a connection with destiny and spirituality, the two things that were sacred to any Viking. Having fate on their side could mean the difference between life and death, and there is no need to waste words to underscore the significance of the Norse mythology Gods during the Viking age.

These are the two reasons why Norse symbols have such an important place within Viking culture, and why almost every piece of Viking jewelry was associated with some of the symbols.

As Norsemen genuinely believed that the symbols held power, it comes as no surprise that they wanted to have them around in the face of danger or uncertainty. They lived in the heat, cold, wind, and rain. They sailed across open seas, fought countless battles, and they needed to believe that destiny and the Gods were on their side. 

This is why Vikings engraved these divine symbols into their jewelry, painted them on their shields, stitched them onto their clothing, and carved them onto their longships. 

All because of the feeling that both fate and their Gods were on their side.

Today, we are going to cover the following symbols:

• Norse Runes,
• Mjolnir,
• Valknut,
• Helm of Awe,
• Vegvisir,
• Triskele,
• Viking Axe,
• Yggdrasil,
• Gungnir,
• Web of Wyrd,
• Swastika,
• Svefnthorn,
• The Troll Cross,
• Longships,
• Sleipnir,
• Raven,
• Boars and Cats,
• Bears,
• Wolfs,
• Dragons.

And now, without further ado, let's begin our story.

Nordic (Norse) Alphabet - Viking Runes

Norse Runes

The word rune originates from the word for Old English word run (Old Norse runir), meaning "a mystery or secret." This is why it comes as no surprise that runes were used to convey only special and extraordinary messages. Some Vikings even thought that runes held special powers. 

Runes are very similar to letters, with one exception. Apart from being connected with specific phonetic sounds, runes also held individual meanings, like glyphs within other ancient cultures. Norse runic alphabets are named after the first six runes F, U, TH, A, R, K - futharks. Historians discovered that the oldest known futhark dates back to the period between the 2nd and 4th century.

As we have already mentioned, the Vikings used runes only in extraordinary situations. They didn't use parchment to write down their stories but would instead pass them down orally from one generation to another.

They didn't use these divine symbols for just anything, but when runes were used, they were carved only into wood or stone. This is why most surviving stories regarding the lives of the most famous Vikings were found carved in rune stones.

As Vikings thought that runes had magic powers, engraving them on jewelry, shields, and beads was a regular thing. They thought that those symbols would protect them and grant them victories in battle.

Norse mythology teaches us that runes are not created by mankind, but are a part of their divine world. They are as old as Yggdrasil - the Tree of Life, and they are carved on its trunk. Runes held such a power that even Odin, the All-father, was willing to suffer a great deal to understand them. (Although that is a whole other myth that you can read here.)

Now, let's get back to our story.

These early runes are known as the Elder Futhark and were used by many Norse and Germanic tribes until the very beginning of the Viking age. This is when the Younger Futhark slowly began to take its place. Younger Futhark had fewer runes (16 in total). However, as the transition was quite slow, the runes from Elder Futhark that were not in use anymore were still used as glyphs. 

Now, twelve centuries later, we can still interpret Elder Futhark. Moreover, most modern Viking jewelry uses this version of the runic alphabet due to its having more letters than Younger Futhark.

To check out some of our Viking items featuring Norse runes, click here. 

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Mjölnir - Norse Symbol of Thunder & Lightning 

Let's start our list with probably the most important (and popular) of all Norse symbols - Thor's Hammer, or Mjölnir (Old Norse Mjǫllnir).

The origins of the word Mjolnir are a bit unclear as various sources are suggesting different things. Let's take a look:

One source suggests that it means "white," symbolizing the color of lightning, while others say that it MEANS "lightning." Other sources state that Mjölnir means "new snow," symbolizing the purity of one's soul. Lastly, some sources connect Mjolnir to words such as "crush" or "crushing."

Let's forget for the moment the meanings we mentioned above and take a look at what real Vikings believed back in the day. When a Viking heard thunder or saw lightning, he believed that Thor had used his mighty hammer to strike down another giant. 

However, let's not forget that Mjölnir was much more than merely a weapon of God. Thor used his hammer for various purposes, such as blessing people and things. For example, Thor would use his hammer to bless newlywed couples to ensure they would have many offspring. 

Snorri Sturluson described how Mjolnir was created within the second part of Prose Eda, Skáldskaparmál. In short, Loki won a bet with dwarves Sindri and Brokkr, and as a result, the dwarves crafted the most powerful of all hammers - Mjolnir. You can read more about the creation of Thor's hammer here. See our article on who is older, Loki or Thor.

Apart from being associated with thunder and lightning, Norsemen believed that Mjolnir was also a symbol of safety and protection. Here is why:

As we have already mentioned, Thor used his hammer to bless people and to slay giants, thus protecting them. So it is quite clear why Viking thought that Mjölnir was a symbol of protection and safety. Moreover, this symbol is considered one of the most powerful warrior symbols of the Viking age.

Archeologists discovered hundreds of Mjölnir amulets throughout various Norse archaeological sites and Viking graves. This symbol had such immense importance in the Viking culture that Viking kept wearing Mjolnir pendants together with crosses even after converting to Christianity. 

Don't forget to check out our vast selection of items featuring Mjolnir.

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Valknut - Norse Symbol of the Fallen Heroes

Valknut - Symbol of the Fallen Heroes

Known as Odin's knot, Valknut is without a doubt one of the most renowned symbols of Norse mythology. The word "valknut" originates from words valr (meaning slain warrior) and knut (meaning knot). 

As Odin was one to welcome the heroes slain in battle to Valhalla, many Viking tombs contained Odin-related figurines with the Valknut symbol drawn just beside them. This is how Valknut came to be known as Odin's symbol. 

Of course, Valknut has a deeper meaning. The symbol consists of three triangles with nine corners. What could those corners mean? The answer is very simple. Each corner is associated with one of the nine worlds of the Norse universe. Moreover, this symbol also represents the life cycle through pregnancy and motherhood. 

To check out some of our items featuring the Valknut symbol, click here. 

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Helm of Awe (Ægishjálmr ) Norse Symbol of Protection & Victory 

Helm of Awe (Ægishjálmr ) Symbol of Protection & Victory

Helm of Awe (Old Norse Ægishjálmr) is a divine Norse symbol of victory and protection. Several sagas (including Galdrabók) mention that it was being used not only by the Viking warriors but even the dragons (sounds really hard to believe, right?!). Nevertheless, Volsunga says that Sigurd took it after killing the dragon Fafnir.

When it comes to the modern-day description of Ægishjálmr, it varies, and here is why:

Some sources say that Ægishjálmr is a magical object, while others describe it as an invisible sphere of protection that casts fear on nearby enemies. One thing that all sources have in common is that it was a magic symbol. 

The eight linear shapes emitting from the center of the symbol represent the space between the eyes. Each shape consists of the rune of protection and victory (Algiz rune) intersected by hardening runes (Isa rune). 

So, the deeper meaning of the Helm of Awe symbol might be to beat any obstacle that fate puts down on your path through the hardening of your soul and mind.+

To check out some of our items featuring the Helm of Awe symbol, click here. 

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Vegvisir - Symbol of Viking Compass

Vegvisir - Symbol of Viking Compass

The name of this symbol, Vegvisir, originates from the words "vegur" (meaning way) and "visir" (meaning pointer), and it means "wayfinder." Vegvisir is very similar to Ægishjálmr, which is why many people believe they are one and the same. Like the Helm of Awe, Vegvisir consists of eight "beams" meeting in the center. The only difference is that all of Vegvisir's beams are different, while Ægishjálmr has eight completely identical beams. 

Vegvisir was one of the most powerful Norse symbols, and here is why.

Vikings believed that this symbol had the power to show the right way to those who lost their path. And yes, they had the means to assist them in finding the desired direction, such as sunstones, but each one felt at ease if in possession of such a powerful magical symbol as Vegvisir.

Can you just imagine how valuable this kind of artifact would be in the Viking age?

This symbol had immense value since Vikings were often sailing into the unknown, and having this special tool on their side to guide them was priceless. As a result, most of the Viking ships were "decorated" with the Vegvisir symbol. 

To check out some of our items featuring the Vegvisir symbol, click here. 

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Horns of Odin Symbol - Triskele

Horns of Odin Symbol - Triskele

The Triskele symbol (also known as the Horns of Odin) consists of three interlinking drinking horns. Triskele's meaning is still a bit unclear. The most dominant belief is that it tells about how Odin stole the Mead of Poetry. The drinking horns are called Boðn, Óðrœrir, and Són. This symbol holds a unique value to all those who worshipped Odin. 

The oldest two discoveries of the Triskele symbol date back to the 8th or 9th century. The earliest discovery is found in Sweden, on the Larbro stone, and it is believed that those findings date back to the 8th century. The other finding of this rune is connected to the Snoldelev Stone from the 9th century (found in Denmark).

In modern culture, this symbol is often worn by artists and writers seeking inspiration, due to its connection to Odin's artistic virtues and the Mead of Poetry.

To check out some of our items featuring the Triskele symbol, click here. 

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Viking Axe - Norse Symbol of Bravery and Strength 

Viking Axe - Symbol of Bravery and Strength

Viking axes were the most used and most famous of all Viking weapons. They were built in different sizes, from single hand to double hand battle axes. Many battle axes had a hook-shaped lower part of the blade that allowed warriors to pull the shields and limbs of their foes with ease. 

If you are wondering why Vikings preferred axes over swords, here is the answer:

Crafting an axe took a lot less time and iron (not to mention less skill) than crafting a sword. Moreover, each farm had to use an axe for cutting wood each day. For these reasons, Vikings practically grew up using axes, which made them one of the most feared axe-wielding warriors. Even long after the end of the Viking era, Viking descendants stayed famous for their axe skill.  

The axe symbol stands for strength and bravery. Its deeper meaning can be interpreted as the ability of one's heart or mind to cut through any obstacles on their life path.

To check out some of our items featuring the Viking Axe symbol, click here. 

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Yggdrasil - Symbol of the Life Cycle

Yggdrasil - Symbol of the Life Cycle

Yggdrasil is a vast mythical tree that grows in the middle of the cosmos and connects all nine realms of the Norse universe together. The tree grows from the Well of Urd and symbolizes the creation of life out of the water, which is why it is called the Tree of Life.

Yggdrasil is one of the chief Norse symbols that indicates the mutual connection of all things in the Norse universe. But, more on its deeper meaning a bit later.

Yggdrasil plays a crucial role in Norse mythology, and here are a few reasons why:

For starters, the Gods kept their youth by consuming Yggdrasil fruits. Moreover, the Tree of Life plays an essential role in the preservation of the Norse universe after the Ragnarok. According to a myth, a man and woman will hide under its trunk and survive the final battle, after which they will populate the world again. Another important part of Norse history is connected to Yggdrasil. It is a place where Odin hung himself on his quest for wisdom.

Yggdrasil's symbol was also used by many ancient civilizations to symbolize the connection of all things within the universe.

For Vikings, it represented the life cycle, cosmos, a connection between destiny and time, and above all, harmony.

All things considered, this symbol is definitely not just another Norse symbol, it is one of the most influential symbols of the Nordic faith.

To check out some of our items featuring the Yggdrasil symbol, click here. 

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Gungnir - Norse Symbol Associated with Odin

Gungnir - the Symbol Associated with Odin

Odin's spear, Gungnir, is a symbol closely related to the All-father. It was made by the best of the dwarven craftsmen, who also created Skidbladnir, Freyr's ship, and Sif's (Thor's wife) golden thread of hair.

Gungnir is a powerful artifact inscribed with magic runes, so it will never miss its target. It is quite extraordinary, but what else can we expect from a weapon wielded by the All-father himself?!

This symbol had different uses during the Viking era. Here are some of the most common:

On Odin's pursuit of wisdom, he had to stab himself with Gungnir and hang from Yggdrasil for nine days before the runes showed themself to him. This is the reason Vikings would use spears to stab and hang their sacrifices to Odin. 

Another interesting thing related to the Gungnir symbol is that Vikings would throw their spears over the heads of their foes, shouting "Óðinn á yðr alla!" (“ Odin owns all of you”). They hoped that in this way they would gain Odin's favor and win the battle.

But how is this related to Odin, you might wonder?

Well, during the Aesir-Vanir war, the All-father threw Gungnir over the heads of the Vanir Gods, shouting, "You are all mine!". Now you get the idea...

To wrap it up, in Norse mythology, Gungnir is a symbol connected to Odin. It represents inspiration, skill, courage, precision, strength, focus, and wisdom.

To check out some of our items featuring the Gungnir symbol, click here. 

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Web of Wyrd - Symbol of Past, Present, and Future

Web of Wyrd - Symbol of Past, Present, and Future

The Vikings believed in many things, among which was that no one can escape their fate, not even the Gods. The idea of fate was so fundamental back then that Norsemen used six different words for it. This deep belief that outcomes of every situation in life were already determined is something that gave Vikings their legendary courage. 

In Norse mythology, beings that shape destiny are called Norns. They live under the World Tree, guarding the Well of Urd (Destiny). This is where the Norns weave the magic tapestry of web, which will determine the fate of all beings.

The Web of Wyrd symbolizes the tapestry. There is no written evidence that this symbol was used during the Viking era. The symbol consists of nine intersecting lines, and within them, all runes can be seen. 

As the runes resided within the Well of Urd and held power to show the past, present, and future, it was believed that when a person looked at the Web of Wyrd symbol, they could see glimpses of past, present, and future as well.

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Swastika – A Symbol of Luck and Sanctity

Swastika – A Symbol of Luck and Sanctity

What is the first thing that crosses your mind when you think of swastika? Of course, WWII and Nazi Germany. However, this symbol was created centuries ago and was often associated with holiness, continuity, power and luck. It appears within the iconography of several ancient civilizations.

Its meaning in Norse religion was connected with Thor. Swastika was often engraved on items to provide luck and sanctity to their owners.

Check out our unique Swastika pendant.

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Svefnthorn 

Svefnthorn Symbol

Svefnthorn is one of the Norse symbols that is mentioned quite often in Viking sagas, such as The Saga of the Volsunga, The Saga of King Hrolf Kraki, and the Gongu-Hrolfs Saga.

Most of the magical properties of this symbol were different in each myth, except for one. The only power that Svefnthorn had (in all tales) was its ability to put foes asleep. For example, Odin used Svefnthorn to put Brunhild (Valkyrie) asleep.

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The Troll Cross - Norse Symbol of Protection

The Troll Cross - Symbol of Protection

This symbol originated from Sweden and was carved in the shape of the Othala rune. The Troll Cross was a magical amulet that protected the person who wore it from trolls and dark magic. 

The Vikings believed that wearing this symbol decreased the chances of encountering danger on their path. It is considered a symbol of protection.

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Longship - Norse Symbol of the Viking's Mentality

Longship - Symbol of the Viking's Mentality

We will all agree that Vikings were great and fearless warriors. However, they had one more thing that gave them a massive advantage over their foes: their longships.

The sole design of their ships was ahead of its time. With its incredibly shallow draft, a Viking longship's maneuverability was unmatched. This is precisely what made the Vikings so superior in terms of mobility and military domination. They were able to use the same ships to sail across the ocean and use rivers to navigate inland, practically knocking on enemy doorsteps. 

Do you know who else was able to do this in the 8th century? Well, no one.

Apart from the advantages mentioned above, the longships were made for speed. They could use both the power of the wind to sail, or row with oars if the wind was not in their favor. 

With their longships, the Vikings had an element of surprise on most occasions. As there are records of Vikings sailing to England, Iceland, the Mediterranean, and even to Greenland and North America, you can imagine how badly prepared their enemies were for the fights ahead. It took a really long time even for the Europe's most powerful countries to adapt to defend against Viking's attacks.

Viking's longships are also known as "dragon ships." This comes as no surprise as they sowed unseen destruction back in the day, and most of them had carved dragon-headed prows.

Skíðblaðnir and Nalgfar are the two most powerful ships that exist in the Norse universe. Skíðblaðnir was a magical ship that belonged to the God Freyr. It was big enough to carry all Asgardian Gods. They used it quite often on their travels across the sea, land, and even air. The ship was built by the best dwarven craftsmen so that it could be folded up to fit its owner's pocket. Magical ship indeed!

The other ship, Naglfar (Old Norse "nail farer"), was built out of the dead's fingernails! And who else would own this ship if not Hel, the goddess of death herself?! There is a prophecy regarding this ship saying that when Ragnarok comes, it will carry Loki and his army of giants to attack Asgard.

Back to the "real" Viking ships.

Let's make one thing clear. The longships were not "real ships," as we might imagine them today. They were merely bigger boats that had their "sailors" wholly exposed to the wind, cold, and heat. The Vikings were able to touch the waters with their own hands just by reaching down!

And these are the types of ships Vikings used to sail across the ocean! Can you imagine that? 

This sort of commitment, courage, and desire to venture into the unknown can only be understood by real Vikings. We, who are in love with their heritage, can only try to imagine this, and dream of being there on one of those magnificent longships.

So, what do those longships symbolize? 

Nothing less than the Vikings alone and everything about them. Their mentality in general.

To check out some of our items featuring the Longships symbol, click here. 

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Sleipnir - Nordic Symbol of Traveller's Luck

Sleipnir - Symbol of Traveller's Luck

Sleipnir is an eight-legged horse, probably the most famous horse in Norse mythology, that belonged to Odin. He is incredibly fast and can travel across water, air, and land alike. 

He was conceived when Loki turned into a mare to sabotage the construction of the walls surrounding Asgard, by seducing Svaðilfari, a stallion of the giant who built the wall. This makes Sleipnir the brother of Fenrir the Wolf, and Jörmungandr, the World Serpent.

Archeological findings are showing that many ancient civilizations (before the Viking era) from Korea to Northwestern Europe used eight-legged horse symbols. The symbol was used to describe the passing of a soul from life to the afterlife. 

For Vikings, on the other hand, the symbol of Sleipnir had more meanings. It was used as a sign of speed, traveler's luck, and transcendence. It was the favorite symbol of travelers and those in search of spiritual enlightenment.

To check out some of our items featuring the Sleipnir symbol, click here. 

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Raven - One of the Most Common Norse Symbols

Raven - One of the Most Common Norse Symbols

As of the animals most often linked with the Vikings, the raven deserves its spot on our list. If you are wondering why ravens were so popular with the Vikings, here is the answer:

Odin had two ravens called Muninn (meaning "memory") and Huginn (meaning "thought"). They would only leave his side to fly throughout the nine realms and gather information which they would later whisper into Odin's ear. How important the ravens are in the Norse culture can be seen from the way Odin is usually portrayed. Quite often, you will come across a work of art portraying Odin with his two ravens sitting on his shoulders.

Another reason for the popularity of the raven symbol is a Viking whose popularity nowadays has increased due to the Vikings TV Show. He lived during the ninth century and claimed to be a descendant of Odin himself. His name was Ragnar Lothbrok. Ragnar's armies used raven banners and were never defeated under it.

Countless myths tell about Ragnar's adventures across Europe. Wherever he went, his raven banner followed. After Ragnar's demise, his sons Ubbe and Ivar used their father's banner while leading the Great Heathen Army to conquer England. 

The raven banner kept bringing victories until 1066. It was then that Harald Hardrada, also known as "The Last Viking,” lost his final battle, which brought the end to the Viking era.

When it comes to the meaning that this symbol had for the Vikings, it was used to represent Odin, wisdom, intellect, insight, and battle glory. Nowadays, on the other hand, it is used to symbolize the two centuries of domination and exploration Norsemen achieved.

To check out some of our items featuring the Raven symbol, click here. 

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Boars & Cats - Nordic Symbols of Fylgja

Freyr and his fylgja - Gullinbursti 

Norse mythology and art taught us that many Gods had their spirit animal familiars, known as fylgja. For example, Odin had ravens, Heimdall had rams, Thor had goats, etc. 

When it comes to boars, two Norse Gods had them as their fylgja. They are Freya and her brother Freyr. Freya's war companion was a boar called Hildisvini (meaning "Battle Swine"), while Freyr's boar is called Gullinbursti (meaning "Golden Bristled").

The boar symbol meant happiness, peace, and plenty for the Vikings. 

Apart from having a boar for her fylgja, the Goddess Freya also had black or gray cats that pulled the chariot on her travels. Some historians believe that Freya's power to make the cats work together was a sign of feminine influence (a vital topic in Norse culture).

For Vikings, the cat symbol was a sign of blessing, or Freya's character with all her virtues, such as magic and wisdom, abundance and beauty, love and desire, etc.

Check out some of our items featuring Freya and Freyr with their fylgja. 

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Bears - Symbol of Berserkers

Bears - Symbol of Berserkers

There were only a few things that Vikings feared, and bears are amongst them. As one of the strongest and most ferocious animals, bears would make even the bravest of Vikings back away. They are super strong, deadly, and massive, with a fur that could resist almost any weapon of that time. 

As Vikings always tried to bend nature to their will, it comes as no surprise that some of the Viking kings had bears as their pets. Vikings who settled on Greenland even ended up exporting bear furs and even polar bears throughout Europe to anyone with enough coin to pay for their goods.

Another connection with bears comes from berserkers. They were Viking warriors who would fight in a state of ecstatic fury and frenzy. Berserkers would often fight in front of the shield wall, to inspire their allies and to terrify their foes with their bravery. 

The word berserker derives from the Old Norse words meaning "bearskin" or "bear shirt." This only backs the written evidence suggesting that berserkers would enter the fight wearing bear armor or without any kind of armor at all. In any case, the berserkers were undoubtedly warriors that made the difference on the field of battle.

So, the bear symbol represented incredible strength, fury, valor, and the warrior spirit. Now it is quite easy to understand why Norsemen were fascinated by bears, isn't it?!

To check out some of our items featuring the Bear symbol, click here. 

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Wolf Symbol

Wolf symbol

Wolf symbol carries contradictory meanings in Norse mythology. It can symbolize both the best or the worst in people. For example, the symbol can be a sign of teamwork and bravery or a sign of nature's wrath, the power that even the Gods of Asgard were no match for. 

What is the reason behind these contradictory meanings? Let's see...

There are a few important wolves in Norse folklore. The most famous one is undoubtedly Fenrir, the wolf that was so powerful that even the Gods were afraid of him, so they decided to imprison him (there were a lot of complications in these attempts, and if you want to learn more, click here). However, it was foretold that Fenrir would break free of his magical bonds at the beginning of Ragnarok. The wolf will sow destruction upon the world, eventually devouring both the sun and the moon, and even the All-father himself. 

Now you probably understand "the worst in people" part of this symbol's meaning. Let's take a look at the other side of its meaning ("the best in people part"):

Two more wolves have significant roles in Nordic mythology. They are not as evil as Fenrir, and they accompany Odin, the All-father, on his ventures. Their names are Geri and Freki. 

Apart from direct connection to animals, the wolf symbol is also tied to the Viking warriors known as úlfheðnar (meaning "wolf hides"). It is unclear whether úlfheðnar was a synonym for berserkers or a whole different type of Viking warrior. Some sources suggest that úlfheðnar fought in small packs, unlike berserkers who fought alone in front of the shield wall. We will never know for sure.

However, one thing is sure. The wolves were of the utmost importance to Odin, and the Viking warriors believed they could channel the power from this symbol, which granted them strength and valor in battles ahead. 

To check out some of our items featuring the Wolf symbol, click here. 

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Dragons - Norse Symbol of Greatness in Many Forms

Dragons - Symbol of Greatness in Many Forms

Norse mythology has many myths involving dragons and giant serpents. Even the Viking longships are known as "dragon ships," indicating the importance of Dragons in Norse culture. 

However, let's stop for a second and explain what the word "dragon" meant to the Vikings. For Vikings, dragons were far from the dragons we imagine today (the giant, terrifying beasts with broad wings that breathe fire and sow destruction). Most of the dragons were more like serpents, and only a few had wings and the ability to breathe fire.

On the other hand, there are some dragons in Norse mythology that were more than just terrifying monsters. They were cosmic forces themselves. One such creature was Níðhöggr (meaning "curse striker"). He resides at the roots of the World Tree, waiting for the beginning of Ragnarok. 

Another great "dragon" of the Norse universe is Jörmungandr, the World Serpent. Its body is so large that it can encircle the whole world and bite its own tail. 

Luckily for Viking heroes like Beowulf and Ragnar Lothbrok, not all dragons were as big as Jörmungandr, as many myths are telling about Vikings facing various dragons. 

In the end, we have to mention one of the most intriguing dragons of Norse mythology, Fáfnir. Fáfnir was a dwarf who got turned into a dragon because of his treachery and greed. He sleeps on a vast horde of gold and is considered one of the most intelligent and powerful dragons in the Norse universe.

So, what is the meaning of the dragon symbol?

This symbol represents greatness in many forms. Great strength, great danger, a great destruction, and great riches are some of the things the dragon symbol represents. 

To check out some of our items featuring the Dragons symbol, click here. 

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Let's Wrap it Up

Today we have tried to explain the meanings of the most popular Norse mythology symbols. However, keep in mind that there were countless others back in the day. It is no surprise, considering that those symbols were as important to Vikings as religious iconography is to us nowadays. 

Norsemen genuinely believed that symbols had magical powers that could help them overcome any obstacle on their life path. The importance of these symbols in the Vikings era can best be illustrated by countless discoveries of various Norse symbols in the pre-Christian Scandinavia. 

Truth be told, I really envy the Vikings. It must have felt great to believe that wearing a special amulet could help you win battles, find the right path when you were lost at sea, increase your strength, protect your loved one, and help you solve any other problem you encountered. Even if it was just in your mind. And in these awkward times today, I would like nothing more than a magical amulet with Norse symbols to help me on my life path.

So, why don't you choose a Viking item with a Norse symbol that you loved the most from our vast offerings? After all, who knows? Maybe the Vikings knew something about magic that we don't know today. Skål!