![]() ![]() Nobody really knows the Valkyrie symbol origins, but it is thought that the wings represent the speed with which the Valkyries can fly though the air, and that Odin’s knot is a symbol of the transition between life and death. Where does the Valkyrie symbol come from? The Shield Maiden Valkyrie symbol is similar to the traditional Valkyrie symbol, with wings, a long double staff and usually with a Nordic knot in the centre.įor more on Valkyrie symbols and meanings, check out our post on Viking tattoos and their meanings. There’s no writing on the traditional image, but Valkyrie symbol text, such as Viking runes, can sometimes be seen alongside the symbol itself. Other versions have the powerful Helm of Awe symbol in the middle, which represents courage and fearlessness. Some versions show the wings surrounding a Nordic Knot, which is also known as the Valknut or Odin’s knot and means “knot of those fallen in battle”. The traditional Valkyrie symbol has wings on either side to represent the Valkyries flying through the air on their horses, with a double or single staff running below the Winged Helm. Valkyrie helmut and spear / Ed’s Toy Box (CC)Ĭonfusingly, though, Shield Maidens are often depicted as also having super-human powers! The best-known Shield Maiden was Lagartha, the wife of Viking warrior Ragnar Loðbrók. However, the important difference is that Valykries are mythological figures with divine powers and ancestry, while Shield Maidens are of human descent. Shield Maidens and Valkyries are often depicted as the same – they had the same jobs and a similar appearance. What’s the difference between Shield Maidens and Valkyries? The best-known Valkyries are Freya, who represents love, fertility, death and battle, and Brynhild, a highly regarded warrior and daughter of King Budli.Īnd it is Brynhild that the fictional character known as Valkyrie in the Marvel comics and films is actually based on. The word “Valkyrie” comes from the Old Norse words val (“to choose”) and kyrja (“slaughter”), so it literally means “choosers of those who are killed”.Īnd according to Norse mythology, the Valkyries did indeed choose which dead soldiers to be picked up and taken to Odin in Valhalla, where they would then remain for the rest of eternity. Who were the Valkyries?įirst things first, who were the Valkyries? These traditional female Norse warriors are usually depicted as strong, beautiful armour-clad women who ride their horses through the sky over battlefields. Read on to find out all you need to know about Valkyrie symbol meanings and origins. But we’ve done some digging into the past to help you out! ![]() Valkyrie symbols and meanings are mired in mythology and legend, which have been adapted and amended in many different versions over the years. But what does the Valkyrie symbol mean and where does it come from? Getting a Norse Valkyrie symbol tattoo has become increasingly popular, for both men and women, so you might see it here and there. In particular, it represents their views on death, destiny and fate. One of the best known symbols of ancient Norse mythology, the Valkyrie symbol is a sign of female power and prestige and represents the Norse way of life. It is sometimes used in popular culture like as logos of companies, sports teams, and organizations.The Valkyrie symbol: what is it, and what does it mean? by Amanda Tomlin The Valknut symbol holds significance even today for the Germanic Neopagan faiths. Interlinking of the three triangles is symbolic of inter-connectedness of the 3 realms of heavens, earth, and hell. The nine sides or nine points of the three triangles are associated with the Nine Worlds of the Norse mythology. Some theories connect it with reincarnation and consider it a talisman against evil. The symbol has been found often in art depicting Odin and is believed to represent the afterlife. Another theory connects the Valknut with the Norse God Odin and his powers to bind and unbind the mind of men. ![]() The basis for this assertion is the 13th-century book, Prose Edda that describes the giant Hrungnir’s heart as made of stone and having three sharp corners. According to one, the Valknut refers to ‘Hrungnir’s Heart’. No one knows exactly what the Valknut represented for the ancient people, but a few theories have been put forth. ![]()
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