Viking Symbols and Meanings Explained

Symbols played a very important in Viking life. They were not merely symbols to decorate household or clothes but they possessed the Viking religious belief within every symbol. Viking symbols have gained so much popularity that they become trendsetting for many designs ranging from clothes to jewelry. 

Mjölnir Hammer 

We are not sure whether you hear of the Mjolnir hammer or not. But the name "Thor" must have been heard once in your lifetime. Thor was the god of thunder and storm in Norse mythology. He was famous for his physical strength, bravery, and generosity. Mjolnir hammer was Thor's primary weapon. 

Viking Mjolnir hammer artifact

Accordingly, the Mjolnir hammer became a very powerful symbol of Norse mythology and Viking belief. The Mjolnir hammer not only has a majestic and awe-inspiring appearance, but it is also a perfect talisman for those who wish for Thor and his power in their life. Becoming a great inspiration for jewelry design in this day and age, any jewelry of Mjolnir hammer presents Thor and his supreme power in Norse mythology. 

Viking Mjolnir Hammer Paracord Bracelet 

Viking Wolf 

Wolf suffers the most controversies in any myth. In Viking mythology, wolf was the symbol of destruction because of Fenrir the notorious wolf who slew Odin the Father of All. But in the modern sense, wolf is not merely a negative symbol. Rather, it becomes a symbol of wild power, unpredictability, family-orientation, and a burning desire to set oneself free.

Viking wolf symbol was complicated 

Apart from Fenrir, there were Viking wolves that were respected. Those were the pair of wolves which was Odin's constant companions. Whenever a pair of wolves appears, it reminds us of Odin and his presence. 

Viking Raven

In Viking belief, ravens were the symbol of Odin and his welcome. Odin had a pair of ravens who would feed Odin with the wisdom and knowledge that they knew after flying the Nine Worlds. They presented a part of Odin and his wisdom. Besides, when the Viking warriors saw ravens during their battles, they believed Odin was there either to support them or to welcome them to come to Valhalla and dwell with him. Whatever the case might have been, it filled the Viking warriors with the infinite source of power to fight till their last breath. 

Odin's ravens Huginn and Muninn

Yggdrasil Tree of Life

Yggdrasil must the most complicated Viking symbols for the meaning of Yggdrasil symbol was abundant. Yggdrasil symbolised the magical interconnectedness, wisdom, justice, and longevity.

The roots of Yggdrasil reached Nine Worlds in the cosmos which made it become the symbol of interconnectedness. Yggdrasil was also the symbol of wisdom for runes the magical words of Norse mythology were carved on the trunk of Yggdrasil. Runes meant "secrets" which carried the fates of all beings in the cosmos. Besides, a well that watered the Yggdrasil became a place that Gods gathered to make judgments. This coined Yggdrasil the symbolism of justice. Yggdrasil was also a symbol of longevity because no one ever knew exactly the birthday and the death-day of Yggdrasil. 

Viking Helm of Awe Aegishjalmur 

Helm of Awe was also one of the most famous Viking symbols. The Viking Helm of Awe was the symbol of power and protection. The design of the Viking Helm of Awe Aegishjalmur was awe-inspiring and so majestic that it has become a trendsetting symbol for designs, especially tattoo and jewelry. 

Viking Helm of Awe Tattoo

Viking Berserkers 

Viking berserkers were the legendary works but they have become quite a symbol of the Vikings. They were the wildest warriors who would join the battles without armor and fought bravely even when they were approaching death. For this fighting spirit, the Viking berserkers become the symbol of strength, outstanding bravery, and unpredictability. 

Bear paw was the threatening symbol of the Vikings (Bear Paw Pendant Necklace)

Viking Bear Paw is the most threatening sign for any beholders. Because it informs them the upcoming danger in the path. That is not to mention the sudden attack from the deadly bear paw. 

Jormungandr the Midgard Serpent

In Norse mythology, Jormungandr encircled the whole Midgard (land of the human) with his enormous body. The modern sense doesn't view Jormungand as the negative symbol. Jormungandr was a Norse example of Ouroboros which presented the endless circle of life and the circle of destruction and reborn. Additionally, Jormungandr was the symbol of unpredictable power and family-orientation for his part in Ragnarok with his father and siblings.

Runic Jormungand Pendant

This Viking Serpent becomes a great source of inspiration of not only Viking Jewelry desgin but also Viking Tattoos. Generally, Jormungand symbolises the infinite circle of destruction and creation, the nonstop circle of love, and the unpredictable wild power. (See more Viking Jormungand Tattoo - Ouroboros Tattoo)

Viking Jormungand Tattoo with Runic circle and Vegvisir Viking Compass