Tuesday, February 09th | The Viking Rune: Norse Vikings and All Things Scandinavian


Motto in Old Norse

viking sword

According to a definition, motto is a short expression of a guiding principle. Mottoes in ancient languages have always been popular, since they express such principles with authority and wisdom of the ancients. User friendly interface below helps to create online mottoes in Old Norse, the language of the vikings. Catchy phrases that can be created using this tool may be also interpreted as viking slogans or even battle cries. Such a motto would adorn a weapon as an inscription or shock enemies when shouted during a reenactment of a viking battle. For a more detailed introduction visit this post. Feedback is welcome.

1. (noun) and (noun) E.g.: blood and death

  and  





2. (noun) is (noun) to (noun) E.g.: man is wolf to man

  is    to  





3. from (noun), (noun) E.g.: from suffering , wisdom

from    ,  





4. (noun) (verb) E.g.: time flies







5. (noun) is in (noun) E.g.: gladness is in battle

  is in  





Based on the Latin motto generator, with the author’s kind permission. The image above is built upon a photo by Steve & Jemma Copley, used under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0 Generic Licence.

Waiver of Liability

Keep in mind that computer generated texts should be used with caution for any permanent use like tattoos or engravings. This tool is provided “as is”, without warranty of any kind.


2 Responses to “Motto in Old Norse”

  1. Evan says:

    First off thank you for maintaining this site. I, like many others here, am of Scandinavian decent (Norwegian) and have found an identity in reconnecting with my heritage. I have been trying to learn Norwegian for a little while now and recently stumbled over the Havamal… Of course I can only understand the English version so far, but I am interested in finding on old Norse, or original, translation of a certain “verse”…

    The coward believes he will live forever
    If he holds back in the battle,
    But in old age he shall have no peace
    Though spears have spared his limbs.

    If you can point me in the right direction I would be incredibly appreciative.


  2. admin says:

    Ósnjallr maðr
    hyggsk munu ey lifa,
    ef hann við víg varask;
    en elli gefr
    hánum engi frið,
    þótt hánum geirar gefi.


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