Valknut – History and Meaning
The Valknut, the three interwoven triangles, is one of the most enigmatic and powerful symbols in Norse mythology.
The name comes from Old Norse: valr means “the fallen,” and knut means “knot.”
Literally, Valknut means “the knot of the fallen,” pointing to its deep connection with battle, death, and the journey to the afterlife.
Archaeological Evidence
Depictions of the symbol appear on many rune stones and grave finds from the Viking Age, including the famous Stora Hammars stone on Gotland.
There, the Valknut often appears alongside Odin, the god of war, wisdom, and magic.
These findings suggest that the Valknut served as a sacred protective symbol for warriors and as a sign of the transition between life and death.
Connection to Odin
In the sagas, Odin is called “the lord of the slain,” the one who leads fallen warriors to Valhalla.
The Valknut stands as a symbol of Odin’s power to bind or release souls and of his ability to move between worlds.
It therefore represents the soul’s journey from the mortal world to the spiritual realm.
The Meaning of the Three Triangles
The three interlinked triangles can be interpreted in several ways:
As past, present, and future — the eternal flow of time
As life, death, and rebirth — a reminder of existence’s endless cycle
By some, as the three worlds: Asgard, Midgard, and Hel
For the Vikings
For Viking Age warriors, the Valknut was a symbol of courage and devotion.
It was carved into swords, shields, and amulets to show readiness to face fate and to seek Odin’s protection in battle.
It was less a decorative motif and more a spiritual vow to meet death without fear.
In Modern Times
Today, the Valknut is appreciated worldwide — not only by followers of Norse spirituality, but also by people who wish to express strength, destiny, and inner freedom.
The symbol stands for the courage to follow one’s own path, the connection between this world and the next, and the belief that every phase of life is part of a greater whole.
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