The symbol "Valknut" can be seen on the household items and culture of ancient Scandinavian peoples discovered during archaeological excavations. He was depicted on special ritual runic stones, jewelry and amulets. In this article, we will talk in detail about the meaning of valknut and its place in history.
What is this symbol?
There are several different interpretations in the world that this symbol can mean. This is due to the fact that, in the meaning of the ancient sacred sign, it has a large number of different images and deep symbols. After analyzing archaeological finds and the ancient traditions of the Scandinavians, various versions were born.
It looks like a dense connection of three triangles into a single whole.
Three triangles are three worlds: Asgard (the world of the gods), Midgard (our world where people live) and Helheim (the kingdom where the dead live). The interweaving of these three worlds into a single whole symbolizes the natural unity, in fact, our entire Universe.
Each of the three triangles has three peaks, so they all together symbolize nine worlds according to Scandinavian mythology.
Translation and meaning
The word "valknut" consists of two parts - valr and knut. The first part can be translated as “fallen warriors”, and the second as “knot”. Accordingly, together this will mean "the knot of the fallen warriors." This meaning came to us from the ancient Norwegian language and is associated with the name of the god Odin, who patronized the warriors who ended their lives in battle.
According to another version, “walk” - a relatively new meaning, it was given to this symbol by archaeologists who found it depicted in finds found in places of Scandinavian settlements.
Unfortunately, now it is impossible to give completely reliable information about exactly what origin this word has, and how this symbol was called in antiquity, we can only speculate and build various theories.
The sacred meaning of numbers
The very form of the symbol is circled indicates two numbers that were symbolic and sacred in Scandinavian mythology - these are 3 and 9.
Thus, the value of the amulet is valkun can be associated with the fundamental ideas of our ancestors about the structure of the world.
The number nine symbolized the sacred meaning of the cycle of life in the universe. Nine months pass from the beginning of spring (symbolizes the emergence of a new life) to the end of autumn (which was a symbol of the boundary between life and death, a sign of dying and the transition to the world of the dead). For nine months, a child is formed in the mother’s womb, the birth of which is another sign of the transition from one state to another.
"Valknut" in its meaning primarily indicates the interweaving of these worlds and symbolizes the transitions between different states of both physical matter and the incorporeal soul, which travels between worlds at different periods of its existence.
The number three is closely associated with the goddesses who manage the fate of every person living on earth - the Norn. Three Norns - Urd (the old woman who protects the past and fate), Verdani (the woman responsible for maturity and the present) and young Skuld (responsible for the future and human duty) live near the roots of the sacred ash tree Yggdrasil, and weave the threads of fate for all people, inhabiting Midgard.
Runic circle
The meaning of the symbol is circled in the runic circle may surprise many who have encountered such an image at least once in their lives. Walking in a circle of runes looks very harmonious, and this sign can be found on many modern images - whether it be a tattoo, an amulet or an object of art.
However, you need to know that historically a walk is never depicted within the boundaries of the runic circle. Likewise, it is a common misconception that this symbol can be considered related to the Futhark runes - this is an absolutely independent sign. The circle of runes around it appeared exclusively on modern images to give greater aesthetics or from ignorance of the origin of this symbol.
Despite this, there is one of the modern interpretations, which says that a valkn, inscribed in a runic circle, strengthens the strength of those runes at which the angles of its triangles are directed.
Which of the theories to adhere to is up to you, but there is no evidence of the use of the walken with runes in ancient times.
Symbolism of the Life Path
Valknut was often depicted on Scandinavian funeral murals or carved in stone next to images of battle scenes. In this regard, some archaeologists attach the significance of a funeral symbol to the Valknu - but this formulation is not entirely correct.
This sign symbolized the path of a warrior in three time boundaries - past, present and future.
Accordingly, in the past, the warrior was an ordinary person who was waiting for the end of the earthly journey and the departure to the kingdom of the dead Hel, in the present he is a glorious warrior, performing his duty in Midgard, and he is also preparing for the future, in which he will go to Valhalla after a gallant death in battle, and join the eternal knights at the table of Odin. In this interpretation, a parallel is clearly traced with the three nornes, which were described above.
Another interesting version of the interpretation of meaning is valknut - this is the representation of the triple sign in the form of three images that have fundamental mythological significance (archetypes). This is Odin, a warrior and ruler, Loki - a trickster, symbolizing duality and inconstancy, and Heimdal, the prophet and magician.
Walked on funeral ships
Separately, it is worth noting that this multi-valued symbol was depicted on ships in which the Vikings buried the fallen soldiers.
Valknut was cut out on the bow of the ship, according to one version, before placing the bodies of warriors who died in battle and sending them on their last journey.
This sign was carried to the most prominent place, it symbolized the transition of the soul of a warrior from the world of people to Valhalla.
Walked Amulet
Valknut is often depicted on talismans and amulets, however, there are a number of warnings related to the features of this sign.
The meaning of the amulet is “valknut” in that it is a very strong protective symbol, but its symbolism has never been exceptionally guarded, unlike other signs, such as “Horror Helmet” or “Thor's Hammer”. He can radically change the life of its owner.
Wearing a valknut really averts trouble, protects against evil magical influences, such as the evil eye or spoilage, and protects from petty everyday troubles. However, the owner will be tested over and over again for strength, sending him tests that will prove his strength of mind, strength and confidence. For those who decide to connect their destiny with this sacred symbol, you need to know that each such test will be rewarded according to its merits.
Anyone could carry such an amulet - men, women, even children. It was made most often from metal or stone, sometimes from hard wood, for example, from oak.
It should be worn with care around the neck - this sign has such a strong energy that it can cause a rapid heartbeat and an accelerated pulse. The same can be said about the meaning of the tattoo "valknut". This tattoo is undesirable to perform on the chest.
With great care, you need to wear this symbol to children, but it is better to avoid this at all. Walking, of course, will help temper the child's character, but will deprive his life of the carefree and lightness that is so necessary in childhood.
Other interesting interpretations
Valknut is of Slavic-Aryan origin, the meaning of the Valknut symbol among the Slavs can be called the unity of nature and the belief that valiant warriors who fell in battle gain new life in a better world.
Moreover, if the Scandinavians usually made amulets with sacred signs from metal or knocked out symbols in stone, then it was customary for the Slavic peoples to embroider protective ornaments on fabric.
Valknut has always been an extremely controversial symbol. Another name for it is "the heart of Hrungnir." Hrungnir was the name of an ancient giant who summoned aces to battle, but was subsequently defeated by Odin's son. His heart can be considered a symbol of strength, rebellion and rebellion.
Archaeological finds suggest that this sign was not so often worn on itself, most often it was knocked out on bas-reliefs and runic stones. One of the few finds that hinted that the Valknut was used for wearing as a talisman is a ring found on the territory of modern England.
Meaning of a Valked Tattoo
Traditionally, such a tattoo is applied only in dark colors, usually on the arm or shoulder.
The meaning of the tattoo symbol is “valknut” - power, strength, hardness, energy. Such a tattoo is considered related to the theme of death and rebirth, the afterlife. This sign echoes the Celtic triquetra, which also symbolizes the trinity.
Sketches of tattoos are often performed, where the valkn is combined with images of lightning and birds soaring in the sky - this indicates freedom and unwillingness to obey anyone.
As a rule, such a sign is chosen by people who are somehow close to the theme of Scandinavian mythology, esotericism is not alien, they usually have a tendency to mysticism and philosophical reasoning.
Walkknut in the modern world
As already mentioned, there are many interpretations of what is said about. The meaning of this symbol is often not known to modern people. Therefore, many use this sign, not wondering about its symbolism.
For example, in Nazi Germany, the meaning of the symbol is gone, like some of the Futhark runes, was distorted in favor of a reigning ideology. Unfortunately, Hitler did not hesitate to use the ancient signs, which are now extremely negatively perceived in countries affected by the actions of the Nazis.
Many modern people, carried away by ancient mystical teachings, wear Scandinavian symbols as talismans or objects of power, decorate clothes with sacred ornaments and believe that this will bring them good luck and protect them from troubles.
Finally
As you can see, you can find a huge number of interpretations of the values of the valknut. Unfortunately, despite the fact that this symbol is quite popular, there is no definite answer about what kind of symbolism it carries.
Now everyone who feels their inner connection with the history and culture of the Scandinavian peoples can wear a valknut as an amulet. It will help to better understand the beliefs and traditions of the ancient Vikings.
Esoteric practitioners say that you should not abuse such strong symbols, as well as treat their images without due respect. We cannot know what energy they carry with them from the depths of centuries.