NORDIC mythology: symbols and meaning

In certain ancient mythologies, it was very common to use certain symbols as representation of gods, elements or any other type of information that you want to transmit. One of the mythologies in which symbols take more relevance is that of the vikings and, therefore, in this lesson from a TEACHER we must talk about the symbols and meaning of Norse mythology.

The norse mythology, also known as Viking, Scandinavian, or Germanic, is the set of beliefs, myths and legends that make up the religions of a series of Germanic peoples from the Ancient and Middle Ages, and that with the passage of time they were able to occupy important areas in the United Kingdom, Iceland, Hispania and Gaul.

Although it is generally thought that this mythology was only one of the vikings, the reality is very different, since it came from a series of Germans from the northern area who predate the Vikings themselves. At the same time, certain Viking peoples had beliefs that do not coincide with Norse legends.

We must bear in mind that, contrary to what its name seems to say, the Norse beliefs were not characteristic of all the Norse, existing peoples such as the

Finns, Estonians or Latvians with different religions although similar in certain aspects.

To better understand what the beliefs that we know as Nordic or Scandinavian consisted of, we must speak on the characteristics of mythology to understand how different they were from other beliefs or thoughts. The main characteristics of Norse mythology were the following:

• It was not a revealed religion, that is, there were no cases of gods using the Norse as prophets to send their word.
• There was no kind of holy book like the Bible or the Koran, but the beliefs are transmitted orally and with the use of long epic poems.
• It was a religion very bellicose, because the men who died in battle were taken to Valhalla where they prepared to fight at the end of the world.
• The norse gods they differed in Aesir and the Vanir, inhabiting the former in Asgard and the latter in Vanaheim. There were also important viking goddesses that is worth knowing.
• There are nine different worlds, being that of human beings known as Midgard.
• It was considered that the world was cyclical, arriving the well-known Ragnarok in which the whole world disappeared in what was the Viking apocalypse.

To end this lesson on the symbols and meaning of Norse mythology we must talk about the main elements of the Nordics and understand what they were used for, being very interesting to learn more about this culture.

Yggdrasil

This symbol was used to refer to the so-called Yggdrasil, thus being the name of the great giant tree that holds together all the worlds that make up the nine Nordic worlds.

Troll Cross

In the shape of an odal, it was used as a kind of talisman or amulet, and it was said that it was capable of protect the bearer from powerful enemies such as trolls or elves, both being creatures of mythology Nordic.

Shield Knot

Similar to the solar cross, this symbol with a circular shape has been used for centuries by the Nordic peoples as a form of protection from any evil or harm.

Sleipnir

Found on numerous rocks throughout the territory conquered by the Vikings, this symbol is an iconography of Odin's horse called Sleipnir. This horse was used to show the eight directions of a compass.

Hugin and Munin

They symbolized the two ravens that always accompanied Odin, being able to travel the world in a single day and inform the Norse god of everything that took place in the nine worlds.

Tapestry of fate

The tapestries of destiny were woven by the norns and in them you could see both the past and the present and the future, its shape symbolizes that all past and future times are interconnected at the same time.

Vegvísir

With the cardinal points and a shape similar to the rose of the times was the symbol similar to the compass and that in theory served to guide travelers in times of worst weather and more difficulty to surf.

Valknut

Also known as the knot of death are three interlocking triangles that can be found in most Norse representations and of which we do not yet know the exact meaning.

Thor's Hammer

Also known as Mjolnir is a symbol used by the Vikings to show strength and protection, because the Thor's hammer is one of the most powerful weapons in Norse mythology and closely linked to power in war or in battles.

Gungnir

Used to represent Odin's spear of the same name. This weapon made by the dwarves was one of the reasons why Odin was so powerful, which is why his symbol proved to be an element of protection and strength within the Vikings.

Aegishjalmur

Also called the spell of terror, it was drawn or tattooed on the forehead of the Vikings as a form of protection against dangers, but also as a way to scare enemy warriors.

Triple Horn of Odin

Related to the horns used for drinking by the Vikings, this symbol was a way of honoring Odin before and after the battle to bring luck to the Norse adventures.