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.
Great site, but the meaning of the Valknut is perfectly clear to most historians and practitioners of Norse paganism. It means willingness to fall in combat, to make the sacrifice for ~something~. Cowardly are those who would have nothing in their lives to die for. It’s different for everyone, for some it’s family, love, friendship. For others it’s an idea, a right, a freedom so much greater then than they could be alone. For the Norse it was dying for paradise. For me it’s having people and opportunities worth dying for.
Hello Tom. ‘Most historians’ does not sound convincing. If there is a book or an article I could miss, please refer me to the relevant source.
This was a very informative page. I am getting the Valknut as a tattoo and wanted to make sure exactly what it meant.
Thanks for the feedback, Al.
I am a full blood scandinavian, with family history
being traced back to Erik the Red. I am wanting a
tattoo to represent family. Any suggestions ?
Vikings were not known for symbols representing
family other the their clan, and I’d prefer not to use runes.
Thanks for any answer.
Hello Anne. I am not aware of the Viking Age symbols representing family.
Yeah, my family is Norwegian and I have become interested in all thing Norsk… Thanks! Your sight helped a lot!
Thank you, Owl-girl. Check for new articles that are on the way.
I’m 18 and was looking for ideas for tattoos and I am from Norwegian ancestry and I was thinking a Viking skull, but I was looking at symbols of Norwegian history and culture. I came across the Valknut. I did some research and found one of the meanings of this symbol and I found this particular meaning. The Valknut’s three interlocking shapes and nine points suggest rebirth, pregnancy, and cycles of reincarnation. The nine points are also suggestive of the Nine Worlds (and the nine fates) of Norse mythology. Their interwoven shape suggests the belief of the interrelatedness of the three realms of earth, hel, and the heavens, and the nine domains they encompass. Now the website that I looked at said that some people of the Odinist faith. I was unaware of the responsibility of wearing this tattoo. I was very ignorant and didn’t realize that this could offended people of this faith. I would like to apologize first and for most. It was a stupid thing to do without realizing what I was getting myself into. But after doing more research I found that in the Asatru that they held certain values which I found to be 1) Courage 2) Truth 3) Honor 4) Fidelity 5) Discipline 6) Hospitality 7) Industriousness 8) Self Reliance 9) Perseverance and I found that these thing are what I want to live my life by. Now I think that this was no accident that I came across this symbol. Now I’ve looked at my forums discussing this as a tattoo and they say if you wear this symbol that you must dedicate your life to Odin. I’ve also have read that al they mean by this is that you have to live the life of a warrior. To me in these modern times we live in that a warrior is not afraid to die for what he believes in. Which is how I would hope to act in that way to help those in need. I was wondering what the people on this site thought of my ideals about this symbol and what it now means to me and I would like your input. Please and thank you.
Hello David. Thank you for your comment. It was great to hear that Viking Age values are so important to you. Your willingness to research and find true meanings of things is a fine character trait. A lot of peple share their understanding of Valknut in the comments here, so you probably will have an idea of what people think about it by reading the comments to this article.
The Valknut or “Volks Knot” was a symbol used to mark those that were wounded or killed in battle. The mark would be drawn or carved on the chest as a way to let the Valkyries know that they should be immediately taken to Valhalla.
Hello. Are there Viking Age sources that say so?
The Stora Hammar rune stone is depicting the revenge of Ragnar Lodbrook’s sons.
Killing King Ethelred (who killed Ragnar Lodbrook) through “Blodsörn”.
(opening up the back, disconnecting the ribs from the spine, and pull out the lungs…)
Hello Bjorn. Not sure about that.
I must say, this looks suspiciously like a templar signia!
Hello Kjaran. Do you see a connection with Templars here?
above it says that the valknut is a modern symbol. that is NOT a fact. what IS a fact is that it can be seen on many rune stones, mostly in sweden.
Hello Dana. I think it is a misunderstanding. The article above says that the word is modern, not the symbol itself.
I got my valknut tattoo on my left sholder!!! Praise Odin!!!!
Sounds great!