The valknut symbol is traditionally attributed to Scandinavian culture, however, in some sources one can find opinions that this sign has ancient Egyptian or ancient Greek roots.
You can also come across the opinion that this is a Slavic amulet. Probably, researchers were prompted to this conclusion by the discovery of the valknut in the visual arts of many peoples and its absence in images of the Scandinavian god Odin, with whom the symbol itself is identified.
The sign consists of intertwining lines that form three triangles.
This configuration is also called the “killed” (or “chosen” node).
The magical symbol is still used as a talisman to this day, but there are theories about the undesirability of wearing a valknut by a living person.
Where did the Valknut symbol come from?
The Valknut, which is a sign containing three triangles, is most often found on rune stones, altars and images of battles or executions.
This sign was also found on ritual accessories for burial.
Traditionally, this symbol was engraved on sacrificial stones intended for the “bloody eagle” execution.
During the execution, the ribs of a still living person were cut, turned to the sides and the lungs were taken out. The latter were placed on the shoulders of the executed person like wings.
This method of execution was applied to enemies captured during military conflicts, and in some sources it is described as a method of revenge (for example, for murder).
This was considered a sacrifice to Odin, therefore the valknut is an indispensable attribute of such an altar and is associated with this god.
In terms of its meaning, the valknut most likely reflected a certain “path of the warrior”: from earthly existence to Valhalla and the meeting with Odin.
Archaeologists have also found valknut on weapons and armor. Presumably, the sign was also applied as a ritual tattoo to warriors sent to death, that is, into a battle from which there was an extremely small chance of returning.
Obviously, in this way the warrior was prepared in advance for the afterlife.
BY THE WAY! It is curious that during the period of such ritual use the very name “valknut” did not yet exist. It appears in literary sources dating from around the 14th to 15th centuries.
Tattoo
It is also necessary to pay attention to another way to wear this rune - a tattoo. Despite the distinctive method of application, in this case the symbolism of Valknut as a talisman is preserved.
Tattooing
When choosing a place for getting a tattoo, you should again be guided by the rules that were presented above. Avoiding the heart area will help prevent health problems.
Valknut tattoo
Valknut is a fairly common symbol that is recommended to be applied in order to gain fame, strength, health and the ability to overcome obstacles from life. But, he will be able to help only those people who are truly strong in spirit and able to withstand any tests sent down, no matter how difficult they may seem.
The meaning of the valknut as a symbol
The literal meaning of the term “valrknut” is “knot of fallen (warriors).”
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Warriors killed on the battlefield were sent to Valhalla (in Scandinavian mythology, a huge hall with a ceiling of gilded shields and walls of spears.
This building is located in Asgard - the heavenly city where the gods live). Valhalla is ruled by the supreme god Odin.
And since the valknut was applied mainly when sending warriors “to meet Odin,” this sign began to be identified with this deity.
The symbolism of the “valknut” sign is revealed in the following theses:
- the meaning of valknut is the unification of the world of people (Midgard), gods (Asgard) and the dead (Helheim);
- the meaning of valknut is associated with the world tree (ash) Yggdrassil, which covers all 9 worlds, is also associated with Odin, who was hanged on this tree for 9 days in order to comprehend the meaning of the runes. This connection is manifested through 9 angles (there are 3 triangles in the valknut, each of which has 3 angles);
- the meaning of the symbol is also associated with the 3 goddesses of fate - Urd (“past”), Verdandi (“present”) and Skuld (“future”), since 3 triangles are connected in it.
Summarizing all the above interpretations, we can derive the meaning of the “knot of the fallen” - the connection between worlds and times.
That is why, with the help of this symbol, people tried (and are trying) to comprehend hidden knowledge.
The sign is also used in magical rituals. For “ordinary” people (not associated with magic and secret teachings), the valknut in its meaning symbolizes the unity of spirit, soul and body.
The use of such a talisman allows you to harmonize your life. However, the valknut amulet is not suitable for all life situations and not all people.
ATTENTION! It should still be remembered that the meaning of the “knot of the fallen” is historically strongly associated with the predetermination of the imminent death of the one who bears this sign.
Buy or make your own
Experts in Nordic culture argue that acquaintance with Valknut should begin with making an amulet with your own hands. This is probably due to the fact that when a person creates a thing himself, he puts a part of himself into it - emotions, thoughts, desires, etc. Wearing a talisman that will resonate with your inner world will be much easier than an amulet that will include a part of another person, especially if this person is unknown.
If a person is not inclined to make the Valknut magic amulet on his own, it is best to entrust this to a loved one - one of the parents, a brother or sister, or his significant other. One way or another, the connection between the bearer of the amulet and its manufacturer will become stronger and stronger.
Types of symbols and their appearance
Valknut consists of three equilateral triangles that are connected to each other.
Depending on the method of their connection, there are 2 types of valknut outline:
- Odin's intersecting triangles. As a result, the illusion arises that two rows of triangles are formed: external and internal. With this outline, the upper left triangle is located above the right one;
- intertwining triangles. They are made up of a single continuous line. In this case, the two upper triangles in the symbol are located at the same level.
BY THE WAY! The value of the valknut does not change depending on the style. Some change in meaning is observed only from the addition of runes to the sign.
History of the sign and archaeological finds
Valknut gives a person a feeling of unity with the world.
It is not known exactly where the symbol originated. According to one version, the Scandinavians were the first to apply Valknut. According to another, the sign is of ancient Egyptian origin.
Some historians believe that the symbol originated in Ancient Greece. Archaeological finds depicting Valknut are found in different countries.
Although the Knot of the Slain is often associated with the god Odin, there is no official confirmation of this theory. Archaeologists have not found a single image of a deity on which the symbol was present.
The Tengelgord stone was found on the Swiss islands. It depicts a funeral procession, with people on foot following the rider. In their hands they hold rings and bracelets.
Valknut is depicted between the legs of a horse. Another find from Sweden is the Stura Hammar stone. Here the warrior is prepared for sacrifice and hanging. The symbol is located next to it. Archaeologists often find the Murdered Knot on jewelry. It was also found on the bed from the Oseberg boat.
Valknut Numeric Symbolism
Numbers play a very important role in all pagan religions. Numerical symbolism, accordingly, is also inherent in Scandinavian paganism.
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The numbers reflected in the image of the “knot of the fallen” are 3 and 9. They have their own sacred meaning. 9 is the number of worlds in Norse mythology:
- The world of the gods or Asgard.
- The world of people or Midgard.
- The world of the dead or Helheim.
- The World of the Vanir or Vanaheim.
- World of Giants or Jotunheim.
- The world of light elves or Alfheim.
- The World of Fire Giants or Muspelheim.
- World of Frost Giants or Niflheim.
- World of Dwarfs or Svartalfheim.
Also 9 is the number of branches of the world ash tree of Yggdrasil (one for each world). 9 branches are the basis of the runes of the elder alphabet (futhark). 3 is the number of norns (goddesses of fate), reflecting the present, past and future.
The meaning of valknut as the unity of worlds
The meaning of the valknut is usually interpreted as a symbol of the unity of the three worlds - gods, people and the dead.
Accordingly, these are Asgard, Midgard and Helheim. The combination of all the above-mentioned worlds gives enormous power that promotes knowledge.
This function is used by magicians and clairvoyants to open the way to hidden knowledge.
It is believed that specific interaction with this magical symbol (for example, meditation) provides energy for personal transformation, rethinking reality and the structure of the universe, which is not revealed under ordinary conditions.
Walknut in a runic circle
As mentioned above, runes located around the Valknut can change its meaning.
As a rule, this symbol is depicted surrounded by runes. Usually these are Dagaz, Turisaz, Uruz and Fehu.
These runes are repeated cyclically, which symbolizes the addition of experience over time, as well as development with constant advancement.
In this case, the position of the sign in relation to the runic symbols can have 8 options (the option is determined depending on the runes indicated by the protruding corners of the valknut), which changes the meaning of the valknut amulet.
Here is the meaning of the runes in the circle of which the sign in question is enclosed:
- Fehu - denotes the material beginning. The construction of further experience is based on the material;
- Uruz is the energy of overcoming obstacles. Allows you to go further on the path to knowledge;
- Thurisaz – protects on the chosen path;
- Daaz or Dagaz - completes the undertaking. This is the rune of transition to a new state, symbolizing change.
The runes are repeated in a circle, which symbolizes the continuous life cycle and constant self-improvement of the wearer.
Interesting video on the topic
In his video clip, the author talks about the history of the appearance of the sign, ancient places and objects where this symbol was discovered, and also describes its possible meaning. An interesting legend is about the connection between the Scandinavian giant Hrungnir and the image and name of the amulet, as well as the version about the trinity of gods of the northern pantheon, which is reflected in the form of a talisman.
The knot of the dead is an interesting amulet that retains a mystery. Only a worthy and strong character person can take advantage of its power, observing certain rules for handling it.
How to use a Valknut as a talisman
The meaning of valknut in everyday use is the desire for knowledge.
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It is worn to immerse yourself in the mysteries of the surrounding world and search for your own life meaning.
The talisman is also capable of developing the wearer’s abilities for clairvoyance and logical thinking.
At the same time, it optimizes cognitive functions (memory, attention, etc.).
But at the same time as the above, such a talisman is dangerous because it invites serious tests on the wearer.
If a person wearing this sign can withstand the adversity that befalls him, he will be granted access to hidden knowledge.
Valknut is used in the form of all kinds of jewelry: valknut bracelet, pendants, rings, rings, earrings, pendants.
The practice of applying this sign to the body as a tattoo is also still common.
ATTENTION! Wearing the Valknut amulet requires a thoughtful attitude. It is believed that its location near the heart significantly worsens health (that is, the test for the carrier will be from the side of his physical body). Therefore, it is advisable to wear this sign either above or below the location of the heart. This sign also poses a danger for military personnel, since previously such a symbol was worn by those soldiers who went to their last battle.
Interesting historical facts
Many historical facts are associated with the Valknut sign and some of them are very interesting.
It is worth saying here that the symbol was used not only by the Scandinavians, but also by the Celts, Germans, and Slavs. For each of these peoples, the meaning of the symbol was somewhat different.
The meaning of the valknut symbol among the Slavs carried the unity of nature and the fact that valiant warriors who fell in battle will certainly receive their reward in a better world.
Among the Scandinavians, this sign was considered magical and was applied to various objects, including weapons, in order to win victory.
Among the Celts and Germans, the valknut was considered a symbol of strength, rebellion and rebellion. Those who wanted to possess such qualities often wore it as a talisman.
Not so long ago, on the territory of modern England, a ring with the image of the valknut sign was discovered. According to archaeologists, it was made as a protective talisman.
Valknuts were also often depicted on funeral ships, in which the ancient Vikings placed the bodies of fallen warriors. It was believed that the symbol would help them get to Valhalla faster.
In Germany, this sign became Nazi after Hitler came to power and was actively used as a symbol of the invincibility of the Third Reich. Subsequently, the Valknut began to be perceived negatively in countries that suffered from the actions of the Nazis.
