The valknut symbol (pictured below) is a popular symbol amongst Norse pagans/heathens. So much so, that I’ve even used it as my photo on this blog. But is it real, or is its assumed meaning false?

Despite being so widespread, the valknut is actually incredibly rare in terms of archaeological findings. The only discoveries of this symbol to date are depicted on the following:

– the Nene Valley Ring – an Anglo Saxon gold ring (circa 8th – 9th century).

–  a carving on a wooden bed found inside the infamous Oseberg Longship.

– the Oseberg Tapistry, also found in the Oseberg Longship.

– two picture stones found in Gotland, Sweden.

For decades, there has been disputes between archaeologists, Old Norse experts and amateurs alike, and many theories have been put forward pertaining to the valknut’s true meaning.

The word ‘valknut’ is derived from the Norwegian word ‘valknute’, meaning ‘polygon’. In English, its also known as ‘Saint John’s Arms’.

Probably the most famous theory is that which was proposed by experts studying the Skáldskarparmál book (within the Prose Edda, circa 13th century); they believe that the symbol represents the heart of the jötunn Hrungnir, who was slain by Thor and his hammer, mjölnir. In the Prose Edda, Hrungnir’s heart is described as “made of hard stone with three sharp-pointed corners”. There is another symbol called Hrungnishjarta (Hrungnir’s heart), which bears striking resemblance to the valknut.

Hilda Ellis Davidson (English academic specialising in Germanic history) surmises that the valknut, which is depicted on the Gotland picture stones beneath carvings of Odin, symbolises the god’s power to bind and unbind, which is also mentioned in several poems from the Edda.

Another academic called Rudolf Simek thinks that the valknut, because of its obvious relevance to death and the afterlife (the symbol is on several burial items found in the Oseberg Longship), may have been used as part of religious practises surrounding death. 

Others simply believe that the valknut is a symbol for Odin, and as such it can be found on many jewellery items for sale on modern-day pagan websites. 

We may never know its true meaning, but I’m sure you’ll agree that there is something mysterious and almost magical about this intriguing symbol, and I for one am happy to continue its use purely to keep its simplistic beauty alive.