The Valknut

The Valknut is a symbol consisting of three interlocking triangles and is one of the enduring mysteries of Norse mythology. It’s also known by other names, including Valknutr and Hrungnir's Heart. Interestingly, "Valknut" is a modern term that doesn’t appear in historical records. This means that scholars have found no written texts describing this shape, and all the knowledge we have about the Valknut is based purely on visual evidence, such as carvings on objects. So, before you continue reading, keep in mind that everything you’re about to learn is based on assumptions made by a few scholars, and it may not be entirely accurate.

The Valknut consists of three interlocked triangles. Sometimes these triangles are formed by a single continuous line (called unicursal), while other times they are made up of three separate triangles (called tricursal).

‍

‍

‍

‍

‍

‍

‍

‍

‍

‍

‍

The word "Valknut" is a compound word meaning "knot of those fallen in battle," and it was derived from the Norwegian term "Valknute," which refers to a square, looped knot used in Norwegian textiles and woodworking. However, while Valknut is composed of three triangles, Valknute is a rectangle and entirely different from the Valknut.

‍

‍

Historians have discovered the Valknut symbol on various objects. Some believe that the first appearance of this shape was on large limestone slabs found on Gotland, an island in the Baltic Sea off Sweden’s eastern coast. However, others are uncertain about the exact time when the Valknut first appeared.

The Valknut has been found on a variety of objects, including a gold Anglo-Saxon ring, the Tängelgårda stone in Sweden, and on items such as a bed and a bucket inside the famous Viking ship, the Oseberg ship.

‍

‍

Some scholars believe the Valknut symbol is associated with Odin, based on the Stora Hammars I stone. In this panel, the symbol is depicted above the head of a man who is being forced into a bent position for sacrifice. The figure forcing the man down holds a spear, which is known to be Odin’s weapon for human sacrifice. Additionally, there is another man who is hanged, and since Odin is known as the god of the hanged, scholars believe this panel belongs to Odin’s cult, and therefore the symbol is connected to him. They argue that the Valknut represents life after death and is associated with Odin as the god of the dead and the one who ferries the dead to Valhalla.

‍

‍

Personally, I find this explanation unconvincing, as the Valknut has been carved on many objects that have no clear connection to death, such as a bucket, ring, bed, and other items.

Another theory suggests that the Valknut represents the heart of Hrungnir, a giant who was slain by Thor. This belief stems from a 13th-century writer named Snorri Sturluson, who described Hrungnir’s heart as being "made of hard stone and pointed with three corners, just like the carved symbol which has been called Hrungnir’s heart ever since."

However, many, including myself, reject this theory because Snorri might have been referring to the Triquetra, not the Valknut.

‍

‍

The theory I find most appealing comes from scholars who believe the Valknut is not solely related to death but also to life. They suggest that the three triangles of the Valknut represent "the beginning of life," "the future of life," and "the end of life." It might also symbolize "creation," "preservation," and "circulation," or "heaven," "earth," and "hell," among other things.

Perhaps you can come up with your own interpretation of the Valknut symbol that makes more sense than any of the existing theories. Don’t miss the opportunity to delve into mythology to uncover its origin, its true name, and what it represents. Who knows? You might even become famous for it!