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The valknut is a symbol consisting of three interlocking triangles. It has been found on various Germanic and Viking artifacts. The name "valknut" is a modern term; it is unknown what names the ancient peoples used to refer to the symbol.
There are various interpretations of the meaning of the valknut. Some associate it with the god Odin, as it is often depicted in his vicinity. The motif of three horns, forming a triskelion or triquetra, is also compared to the valknut, as seen on the ninth-century Snoldelev-stone. This suggests a possible connection between these symbols.
The valknut in Archaeology
The Valknut symbol appears on various archaeological objects made by the Germanic peoples. A notable example is the Nene River Ring, a gold ring from the 8th or 9th century AD from Anglo-Saxon England. The symbol is also seen on a carving of an ornate bedpost from the Oseberg ship, a Viking ship that was buried in Norway near Tønsberg. Fragments of the Oseberg tapestry, a partially preserved textile also from this ship burial, also feature images of the valknut. Furthermore, the symbol appears on two Viking stones on the Swedish island of Gotland: the Stora Hammars I-stone and the Tängelgårda-stone.
The valknut appears in two distinctive forms. The first is the unicursal form, an unbroken knot topologically similar to the triquetra. This variant is seen, among others, on the Tängelgårda-stone. The second form is tricursal, where three triangles are interconnected, similar to the Borromean rings. This form appears on one of the Stora Hammars stones, the Nene River Ring, and the bedpost from the Oseberg ship. Although other variants may exist, these two are the only ones archaeologically documented.
What does the Valknut mean
Scholars have various theories about the meaning of the Valknut.
The Heart of Hrungnir
In chapter 17 of Skáldskaparmáll, a part of the 13th-century Prose Edda, the heart of the jötunn Hrungnir is described in detail. The text states: “Hrungnir had a heart that was famous. It was made of hard stone with three sharp, pointed corners, just like the carved symbol hrungnishjarta [Hrungnir’ss heart].”
Researchers have often drawn parallels between the shape of the described hrungnishjarta and the valknut. This triangular symbol, consisting of three interwoven triangles, may be related to the themes of death, battle, and the afterlife, which also play a role in Hrungnir’ss myth.
Odin and Mental Bonds
The Tängelgårda-stone, a runestone from Gotland, Sweden, depicts the valknut beneath an image of Odin's horse Sleipnir. Hilda Ellis Davidson has developed an interesting theory linking the valknut, the god Odin, and the concept of "mental bonds."
Davidson suggests that the valknut, often depicted next to Odin on his horse on various memorial stones, may be related to the triskele. She views this symbol as a representation of Odin's ability to "bind" and "unbind," as described in ancient poems and other sources. Odin was seen as a god who could impose mental bonds, rendering men helpless in battle. At the same time, he had the power to break these bonds, for example, by removing fear or tension, through his gift of battle-frenzy, intoxication, or inspiration.
The Valknut and Death/Rebirth
Davidson notes that similar symbols appear alongside images of wolves and ravens on certain cremation urns from Anglo-Saxon cemeteries in East Anglia.
Since the symbol appears on stones with images of Odin and is also found on the grave goods in the Oseberg ship burial, Rudolf Simek suggests it may be related to religious rituals surrounding death.
The Triquetra, Triskelion, or Valknut of Snoldelev
On the Runestone of Snoldelev in Denmark, various symbols are combined with runic script. The runic script mentions that Gunnvaldr is a Þulʀ, a title that possibly denotes a priest or skald (bard). In Old Norse, þula means "litany" or refers to a wise man, chieftain, or king. The stone shows a sign that is likely a triquetra, triskelion, or valknut, formed by various drinking horns.
Drinking horns were ceremonial items used during feasts, sacrificial rituals or oath-bound practices . It is possible that the swastika on the stone symbolizes the immortal sun that brings fertility to the earth, while the triquetra symbolizes eternal loyalty to Gunnvaldr, the founder of the stone.
Conclusion
The meaning of the Valknut is unclear, but the symbol seems to be associated with Odin/Wodan and likely represents a bond or oath with this god. In the pagan view of death, Odin also stands for the next life. Therefore, the sign of loyalty to Odin can symbolize loyalty in this life as well as in the afterlife. This could explain why the sign was brought along during funeral rituals.
