The word valknut is a neologism: it is formed in modern times through combination of ON valr, ‘the dead’ or ‘the slain’ and knut, ‘knot’. Valknut is a Viking symbol of three interconnected triangles. The triangles may be joined in two ways: either as Borromean:
or unicursal:
Note that other types of valknuts, such as closed three-link chain, never occur in the original Viking ornaments. One should keep that in mind when using the valknut in Viking tattoos or runic tattoos, since only the above two designs are genuine Viking valknuts. Consider the Borromean triangles type, which occurs on the Stora Hammar rune stone.
Here above the valknut we see a raven, Odin’s symbol. Below the valknut is probably a burial mound. A dead warrior is put there by someone with a spear and accompanied by another raven. The spear is probably Gungnir, Odin’s weapon. The other sign of Odin’s presence is a warrior hanged on a tree to the left of the mound. All the symbols around the valknut, which is in the central position here, point to death and to Odin as a god of slain warriors.
The unicursal type of valknut (which can be drawn with one stroke) appears on Tängelgarda stone:
Other instances of the valknut in Viking ornaments are Lärbro stone, River Nene ring and a bedpost found on the Oseberg ship.
However, knot of the slain is not the only possible interpretation of the valknut. It is also called Hrungnir’s heart. This name is based on a description found in the Prose Edda:
“Hrungnir had a heart that was famous. It was made of hard stone with three sharp-pointed corners just like the carved symbol Hrungnir’s Heart (hrungnishjarta).”
The original meaning and function of the valknut is not wholly clear. The number three is a very common magic symbol in many cultures. However, in Scandinavian context three multiplied by three might designate the nine worlds, which are united by the Yggdrasil tree. In modern times Valknut, like Triquetra and Horn Triskelion, is often interpreted as a symbol pointing to heathen convictions. Gifts with Valknut designs are available in the Vikings Gifts online store.
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Really cool website and information. Thanks for your efforts.
cool
My girlfriend recently gave me a very beautiful Valknut because she had heard me complain that I had very few symbols of Odin. I had seen them before but had never known much farther than concept of its association to the Yggdrasil. You’re site was very helpful. Thank you.
Great website,with a lot of good solid information…you have done your homework! Hail!
My wife gave me a pendant made of different porcelain clays that were fired at 2400 degrees. The Valknut symbol is hand inscribed on it. We received an explaination about the symbol saying that the three triangles, three interlocking shapes and nine points, suggest rebirth, pregnancy, and cycles of reincarnation.
Also, the three interwoven shapes could suggests the interrelatedness of the three realms of earth, hel, and the heavens.
It says that it is a popular talisman of protection against spirits.
So what exactly does a Valknut represent? it represents that of a dead warrior?
As stated above, it is not certain what the valknut represents exactly. However, it is likely that it is somehow connected with the idea of death in battle.
The vikings have an increible sense of honor and death in battle is the way to Valhalla the viking equivalent of what you would call heaven, and those who wished to be taken by the valkerie would wear this symbol its one of dedication to odin and death in battle.
thank you.
Thank you for this site. I have been researching my family history I got back to Ostfriesland Germany 1600s and I suspect they came from the Scandinavian countries before that . Furthest name Harmen Gerdes!! I am very proud of my heritage x
I am getting a borromean ring-style valknut tattoo for this holiday season. Good information here.
Thanks a lot! Your website has saved me what probably would have been hours of reserch for my history class!
I’ve got a unicursal Valknut tattooed on the forehead of a skull on my left arm, put it there as a tribute to a few fallen family members who were indeed Vikings.
Great stuff. You inspired my next tatoo. not the one with the skull but the Vulknut.
thinking of getting a valknut tattooed on my wrist can u suggest a reputable artist in phila. that specializes in norse symbolism
plz&TY
R.J.D
i read in some places that the valknut is a symbol of the nine worlds connecting at the tree of yygdrasil and was wondering if you had any commment on that, because i’d like to clear up my understanding of the valknut symbol.
Hello Bert,
This is a possible interpretation, but I am not aware of any ancient source that would have it. Therefore it is not mentioned in the present article.
thanks fer the info, my family roots are all dutch/ german and i have strongly embraced my nordic ancestry, so i’ve decided that when i can afford it, i’m going to get either one of the Valknuts tattooed on the back of my right hand, and may draw up a tattoo for my back of odin on his throne with the twin ravens and wolves at his side
good knowledge,,,looking for more info and exact meanings,,also wolfs,,,the 9 sides of the valknut also as said is the higher spiritual world in wich they are waiting and willing it to come to earth!!!!
the climb to spiritual bliss,,or,, #9 we would call it the Christ plane ,,the highest spiritual realm on earth,,,aka heaven on earth unfolding,,,like what is happening now with the year 2012 coming,,,a great change of leadership and energies,,old control changing along with major earth changes like we have alreaDY SEEN ,,Earthquakes,volcanoes etc,,,, try to change your diet to less animal produts and pay attention to your dreams,,,,do unto others,,,godd luck on your spiritual flight,,,,Lord Kitchner
Both Borromean and unicursal appear pointing down in both stones. The depictions above the stones point up. I wonder if there is a relevance to pointing down.
I have heard many different answers to this question. Wether pointed UP or DOWN the universal interpretation remains the same: That is, the nine worlds; the cycle of life and death; NNV, among others. However, my understanding and postulation of UP and DOWN is indifferent: UP would represent the ascension from Midgard to Asgard post a warriors death. Also in rites, to honor Odin and acknowledge his vibration as a deity. The knowing he’s upon us without real interaction. DOWN would symbolize sacrifice, magick, wisdom, etc. The attributes Odin endeavored hanging up side down from the worlds tree. Ritually, DOWN would mean a CALL to Odin to be personally with or/among you. In short, UP or DOWN is a matter of ones intent, either way has a positive vibration. There is no godly nefarious consequence if one should tatt this symbol. The only peril is the spread of ignorance and extremist views. Of couse, This is my OPINION!!!!
IT IS THE SING OF ODIN!
It is felt that the central image of the triangle presented point up has male (phallic) symbolism and the point facing down the feminine principle (womb) . Combined together in binary form creates the six pointed star,the pyramid is the ultimately stable form,don`t you think?
Some people seem to be bandying about the VALKNUT as if if were a “happy face” from the seventies…!!!(Although it’s association with war and death,and especially ODIN himself shows it’s more serious aspect…)Everyone needs to remember that this symbol is tied to ODIN,the all father himself…If you examine the history books,you’ll find that THOR was much more popular with the average norseman as opposed to ODIN, Why is this so?…If your a HEATHEN(Pagan,Wiccan,whatever word you choose…)Like I am, you’ll find that each deity has certainn”VIBRATIONS”,that you can feel,THOR was everymans god,If you had crops to plow, A family to feed,if the weather needed to be changed(Especially the Weather…),If you were a foot soldier(As opposed to a Warlord,or Village Cheiftan…),Then you called upon THOR….The average norseman did NOT trust ODIN…ODIN worship was usually performed by village CHEIFTANS,WARLEADERS,SKALDS(This is especially appropriate, as poetic/skaldic inspiration was said to be a kind of madness given to man By the gods,especially from ODIN,And as for BESERKERS,The battle fury they attained in ecstatic state was DEFINATELY linked to ODIN…)ODIN worship was usually linked to EXTREME STRESS AND/OR INSPIRATION UNDER EXTREME DURESS…Even in ASATRU,ODINISM is considered to be a tad extreme, If your an ODINIST (Like I am…)It involves FASTING(Sometimes for several days at a time, NOT some wimpy B.S….Like going without lunch,or occasionally SKIPPING DINNER, Or other such lightweight antics…)Extreme physical fitness,Martial Arts,Survial training(Of an interesting note, ASATRU has more SURVIALISTS, WEAPONS EXPERTS, MARTIAL ARTISTS, And other such people of the same ilk, Than any other type of PAGANISM anywhwere….Interesting, no???)Why is this so???…Take a wild guess, This is the result of the ODINIC influence(I,ve even heard that some norse groups even have a SPACE GUILD…And it just so happens that the GERMANS were the first to launch V-1 AND V-2 intercontennental ballistic missiles,In fact,our SPACE PROGRAM comes from WHO???…WERNER VON BRAUN…Another GERMAN!!!…Coincedence right???…RRRRIIIIIIIGGHHT!!!)The combative nature of RAGNAROK places a warlike emphasis(One of the reasons why I’m into WARGAMMING…) on all things….Hence,ODIN’S extreme nature….As for the VALKNUT itself, I would urge EXTREME CAUTION when dealing with the VALKNUT(In fact,One of the best websites I’ve seen,”SUNNYWAYS RUNES.COM”, Has a DISCLAIMER warning about the casual use of the VAKNUT…You have been warned….DEATHSKULL
In response to “Deathskull”…
People give power to symbols, and people can view symbols differently. One person’s Satanic pentacle is another person’s spiritual pentacle.
I’ve met some Asatruar who believe the valknut is a symbol of some sort of “death pact” with Odin; if you wear it, you are pledging your soul to Odin so that he can take it at any time to fight in Ragnarok. Then again, these same people told me I couldn’t be Asatruar because I’m half Asian and ignored my Caucasian half.
I and many others do not believe this interpretation of the valknut. I see it as a symbol for the nine worlds, the stages of life, and most of all, the sacrifice of brave fallen soldiers. My husband is in the military and wants to get this tattooed on him because he understands the sacrifice soldiers make for family, for justice, for peace. People often forget that the point of fighting is to bring peace, so this whole “warrior society” thing you’ve got going is just taking the symbol way out of context. Not everyone believes Odin is going to ride out of the sky on Sleipnir and pierce your heart if you have the valknut tattooed on you.
Of course, this symbol is thousands of years old. We’ll probably never know for sure what it meant to the people of that age; but again, people give power to symbols and meanings can change with each generation. The sun wheel is just one example of how symbols and their meanings change over time. So let’s leave extremist ideas out of this.
Well said
Verrry well said ,extremists do tend to go overboard, and like you said every symbol has a different meaning to the individual, as for me I am descendent from Norse Heritage and I for one like to do my homework and learn as much as I can before I start spouting, and what does the Germans launching rockets to kill, have to do with the symbol that represents the sacrifice of the fallen soldier, which is what I thought was the meaning behind the Valknut, according to the description above.
Would this be an ideal tatto to represent a passed away family member? iv been told that this represnts the 9 worlds and the afterlife? am i correct?
-brandon
Very good point Deathskull. Some people even urge caution when you are tattooing a word in runes because the individual runes in the word could give off a vibe you are not looking for and/or expecting. All I can say is be very cautious and DO YOUR RESEARCH before you get any runic tattoos!
hey, been reading through a few of these articles and have always had a passion for the vikings and “norse mythology”. I have recently decided upon getting a norse sleeve tattoo, amongst this I was aiming to get a few rune words/poems done aswell. just wondering if anyone knows of a really good site or know anyone who would be able to assist me in this, would be greatly appreciated, thanks.
Already have Mjolnir Tattoo, getting two ravens (Huginn and Muninn) on my back and the Valknut here next month.
to my understanding the above statement is true and i have also heard that it is connected to the nine noble virtues of the nordic belief so i just wanted to see if someone could clear this confusion up for me please
Takk for opplysningen, selv om jeg måtte oversette patetisk område det var veldig informativ jeg skriver fra Niffleheim der min sjel foreever gjenstår.
I thought I found this one of a kind necklace at the beach in the sand in a weird box. It’s gold I dont know if it’s real gold but now that I know it’s common I feel un special(if thats a word) but it’s rally awesome
Sent from iPhone
Hey. . . . Am a Nigerian and a student, i joind a fraternity known as the vikings cumfraternity, . . . Though we all believe in war, destruction, meriment and death but i dont know if this fraternity has much to do with the ORIGINAL VIKINGS? please somebody should help me. . . . . .
I understand the Valknut as a symbol of courage , to meet my fate wherever whenever against whoever , As my fathers before me did . I wear my markings with pride and honor . Valknut is a warriors symbol , I have heard many stories ( not sure of truth to them ) my personal favorite is the warrior marks himself with a valknut so the Valk will know who is amongst the army that has sworn themself to the all father and his army . To let ones enemies know that you are not a coward , you stand with courage honor and dignity against everything and will not waiver till your last breathe is drawn.
My feeling of the Valknut is that it’s somehow like the phoenix. It’s like a victory out of nowhere, when all the chips are down… I feel this to be true intuitively of course. I don’t really agree with people who think any meaning a symbol has is what we give it, that is part of it, but there is inherent meaning to symbols. It seems the Valknut energy only comes to someone who has energetically went beyond the fear of death, meaning not just mentally, but their “body” has learned the truth about reality and thus they are no longer scared.
Just got my first tattoo of an Iron Cross on my right shoulder about a week ago. I already want more. I think the Valknut symbol would be awesome!