Ellis Davidson says “Odin had the power to lay bonds upon the mind, so that men became helpless in battle, and he could also loosen the tensions of fear and strain by his gifts of battle-madness, intoxication, and inspiration.” Weaving in this symbolic sense and spiritual power were almost synonymous, so it should come as no surprise that a symbol involving power over life and death would be visualized as a knot. In literary sources it’s often said about his abilities. Odin is known as one of the most powerful magicians and shamans. Vili gave them intelligence and the ability to move.The three brothers created the first man and woman, each giving the mortals a unique capability: Buri’ grandchildren, the three brothers Odin, Vili and Ve came later and slayed Ymir. After him came Buri, the first of the gods. It was in Ginnungagap that the first being was created. Ginnungagap – the void between Niflheim and Muspelheim.

The Norse sagas tell of a time before the worlds of gods, giants and men were created. There were three wells, one under each of the roots. One root leads to Asgard, home of the gods, one to Jotunheim, the realm of the Giants, and the last to Niflheim, the Underworld. Yggdrasil, the Norse Tree of Life, has three roots. The Three Worlds and the Three Roots of the Tree of Life Together, they spin the threads that dictate the events and actions surrounding every god, giant and dwarf. There are three goddesses of Destiny: Urd (Fate), Verdani (Present) and Skuld (Future). The Norns, the Three Goddesses of Destiny The number three also features significantly in Norse mythology. the three periods of life – infancy, adulthood and old age.the three periods of time – Past, Present and Future.the three basic elements – air, water and fire.the Holy Trinity of Father, Son and Holy Spirit.the three planes of existence – Heaven, Earth and Hell.the three stages of the Universe – Creation, Preservation and Destruction.Across millennia and across cultures spread over the world, it has been taken to represent: The number three has always featured prominently in both ancient and modern religions. Three triangles of three vertices each – there was definitely some power that the number ‘3’ held for the Norse people. The individual styling of a Valknut may vary but it always consists of three interlocking triangles. On the other hand, it could also be used for the opposite effect, giving the Viking warriors clarity of thought and action in the chaos of the battlefield. In battle, it was believed that Odin could put mental binds upon the enemy, obfuscating them and spreading terror within their midst. Importantly, the chief practitioner of Seidr was Odin. It was described as a means of altering reality to an observer, akin to creating holograms and visions meant to mask reality from them. Seidr was a form of witchcraft or magic that the Norse both feared and held in high regard. This trickery was given a very specific name by the Norse – Seidr. The intricate design of the Valknut – which is a complex shape that can be made from a single unicursal line – renders upon it an association with mental trickery. The Valknut symbolizes the recognition of brave individuals in the prime of life who sacrificed themselves for the good of the clan. The association of the symbol with the God of Death led to the Valknut being regarded as the symbol of a ‘Cult of the Dead’. This is also proves that this sign belongs to Odin. On the numerous archeological findings Valknut is often depicted with Odin, ravens or wolves symbols who were his constants companions. And it’s not a surprise as in Norse mythology Odin isn’t just the Supreme God, he is also the God of war and death. It's also known as Odin’s knot, Hrungnir’s heart and the Heart of Vala. Its origin coming from words 'valr' that means 'slain warrior' and 'knut' that means 'knot'. So, we can say that “Valknut” is translated like “The Knot of the Slain Warrior”. Valknut is one of the most prominent and interesting symbols in Norse culture.

Valknut meaning norse