Odin Protection Symbols: Norse Meaning and Viking Jewelry

Odin the High One has always been one of the most favorite Norse gods. Day by day, more people want to learn the qualities of the High One. In Norse mythology, Odin appeared in many stories earning him many titles and symbols related. In thig blog post, we will discover some Odin protection symbols and how they have become an inspiration for the modern time. 

Runes

Although Odin was not the first being in Norse mythology to read runes, he was the first to teach runes. The Norns - the fate-holders - were the first to read runes. They carved runes on the branches of Yggdrasil. 

The runes were carved on the trunks of Yggdrasil by the Norns. One day, Odin heard about runes and he made a sacrifice to get the knowledge of runes. 

Until one day, Odin made a sacrifice for himself to learn runes. He hung himself on the Yggdrasil Tree for nine days and nine nights. The Gungnir spear stabbed him in the chest. He refused all of the help. No food, no water. After the sacrifice, he gained the ability to decipher runes. 

That's why every time I see runes, I think of the sacrifice Odin had endured. The price to learn runes was a big deal. 

Gungnir 

The Aesir gods (Odin's tribe) were famous for their powerful weapons, for example, Mjolnir Hammer of Thor, the sword of Tyr, Gjallarhorn trumpet of Heimdall, etc. And Odin the Allfather had for himself the Gungnir Spear. According to the Viking traditional practice, Odin often threw his spear into the enemies to start off the fight.

In Norse mythology, Odin's spear is believed never to miss a target. Surviving the test of time, Odin's Gungnir Spear has become a symbol of protection, determination, and strength. 

The spear of Odin never missed a target. Once it was hurled away, it would hit the target and return to Odin's hands. 

Wolves and Ravens 

In Norse mythology, Odin had a pair of wolves and a pair of ravens as his friends. The wolves were Freki and Geri and the ravens were Huginn and Muninn. While the wolves seemed to appear not quite often, ravens became the constant companions. 

Odin often released Huginn and Muninn to fly around the Nine Worlds within a day. And when the night fell on, they would come back to Asgard perching on Odin's shoulder and whispering what they had seen in a day. That's a source of knowledge that Odin got. Therefore, ravens also became the eyes and thoughts of Odin the Allfather. 

As long as the ravens and the wolves appeared, Odin was also there to witness. 

Odin's wolves and ravens 

Valknut 

For many Viking enthusiasts, Valknut is one of the most beautiful and meaningful Viking symbols. Not only is it fascinating in appearance but also interesting in the meaning. 

Three interlocking triangles make up the Valknut. In Norse mythology, number three is something mysterious and unexplainable. For example, Odin had to endure three hardships to read runes, Odin was the third generation of the Norse cosmos, Odin was one of three brothers that built up the world, or Odin spent three nights with a giantess to gain the Mead of Poetry. 

Valknut symbol also appeared in archaeological evidence. This leads us to believe the symbol of Valknut was a welcome from the High One to the brave warriors who had fought and lived a true warrior life until their last breath. 

Odin's Valknut remains one of the most favorite symbols for the Viking enthusiasts.