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.
Copyright notice: Valknut images above are by © The Viking Rune. Images of Stora Hammar and Tängelgarda stones are public domain.
After reading all of the comments its interesting to see what all has been… i being of saxon/nordic heritage this symbol has been passed on through my family for many generations as well as the story behind it… im only allowed to give basic info as it deals with a family tradition… but at the age of 16 we are told the story of our forefathers… an what we are told about the valknut is that its our right of passage into valhalla… to earn that right you must prove you a warrior an that you can bare off spring.. after these are proven we are given a trinket or a tattoo depending on the dedication of the warrior to dieing for his klan..
klan.. meaning
Thanks for sharing. Pretty cool to hear from someone whose family actually still uses the symbol for a purpose, with meaning behind it. Very interesting.
That’s very cool your family still uses the symbol. I am also of Nordic heritage but my family does not hold any traditional Nordic practices. I’m extremely proud of my heritage and have started researching beliefs and traditions to hopefully start my own. I saw you can only give basic information and I wholly respect that but if there is anything that you can share with me I’d greatly appreciate it.
Thank you for sharing this with us, Shane. Very interesting.
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!
Hello Brian. Great choice.
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.
Hello Skydin. What you write sounds interesting.
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.
Hello Hoar. Thank you for sharing this. To be sure, Viking Age values are very important in the modern world.
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. . . . . .
Hello Nolava. Interesting question. I am afraid that your fraternity has little to do with the Viking Age Scandinavians.
Takk for opplysningen, selv om jeg måtte oversette patetisk område det var veldig informativ jeg skriver fra Niffleheim der min sjel foreever gjenstår.
Hello Baldr. I am sure your soul will be released from Niflheim sooner or later. Take care.
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
Hello Daan. There are different interpretations of this symbol, but all of them are only tentative, since we have no clear evidence dating back to the Viking Age.
Already have Mjolnir Tattoo, getting two ravens (Huginn and Muninn) on my back and the Valknut here next month.
Hello Biörn. I am sure they will look great.
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 as well. Just wondering if anyone knows of a really good site or knows anyone who would be able to assist me in this, would be greatly appreciated, thanks.
Hello Corey. What kind of assistance would you like to have? I will be glad to halp if you have questions on Vikings or Norse mythology.
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!
Hello Vapnadomr. To be sure, people need to do thorough research before any permanent use of a runic inscription.