Viking Pendant Meanings and History

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Much of what we know about the ancient Viking culture is based off of archeological findings from gravesites filled with jewelry of all kind. As they moved across the Scandinavian land, the Viking culture got assimilated with others and this has resulted in the multiple designs of pendants that have been propagated by Irelanders.

One of the cultures that blended with the Viking culture and created new designs based on some basics are the Celtic people. After years of inhabiting the Irish regions, most of the Vikings and their ways were disintegrated and faded into other new cultures. These are largely the Irish population who are though to be the last descendants of this iconic race. Some of their influences will be obvious in some of the Viking pendants.

Viking Pendants and their meanings

Viking pendants have been made into several symbolic forms. Various people, animals and things have very spiritual significance to their way of life and this has been passed down over time. In the present day, this hidden meaning and cool symbol characteristic has turned these pendants into a fast favorite for all genders.

Runes

Generally considered the Viking alphabet, the runes also had a deep meaning of secrecy attached to them. They were more than basic symbols of speech and each of their unique symbols has a specific meaning and a calling attached to it. They were revered as very powerful and magical and could not be written for no reason or on any surface you can think of.

In jewelry pieces, though, they are prominent features and they always make to increase the strength of that piece of ornament. Whether for protection, success of victory, each rune will have an expression of themselves manifest where it is featured. You may find these little etchings of rune symbols on warrior shields, rings and necklaces.

Runes have undergone some transformation with two versions of them in existence. These are the Elder Furtharks and the Younger Futhark which were incorporated with the rising of a new age to reflect the Scandinavian dialect of that time.

Valknut

Being the common symbol to represent a slain warrior, the Valknut represented a great faith that the soldiers of Viking era had in their afterlife. The warriors alleged that ordinary people died and faded into some oblivious shadow but for valiant warriors such as they, would be the promise of life in Valhalla.

They suggested that this was made possible by the Valkyries who dutifully carried the souls of the slain warriors into Valhalla for a lifetime of daytime friendly battles and nighttime debauchery.  

To get blessed with this gift of immortality, the warriors had to fight alongside the god Odin in the great battle of Ragnarok where they must be prepared to fight figures of darkness to save the world.

The symbol of three interlocking triangles is thought to represent the 9 realities that exist or the relation between life and earth. Either way, wearing a pendant with this symbol calls to your bravery, courage and fated destiny through all life’s existences.

Thor’s Hammer (Mjolnir)

The infamous hummer that represents thunder, lightning and storms. As the son of Odin, Thor was quite different in his execution and always took a more direct and total approach dealing with adversaries. It is seen as a symbol of great strength, straight-forward and brave qualities that are ideal for any warrior or survivor of terror.

This Mjolnir was one of the first Viking symbols to be assimilated into Christianity with the first Viking converts choosing to wear it together with their Jesus Cross.

Helm of Awe

Revered as a symbol of victory and protection, the Helm of Awe has been used in various situations to cast a protective shield on its wearer and creating this string and guarded personal that instills fear in enemies or assailants.  

It features eight rays that have a centered pivot thought to be the Third Eye in accordance to Indian beliefs. they seem to be made out of a combination of two of Vikings runes. The Algiz runes that represents victory and protection and the Isa rune which symbolizes a hardening of the self, mind and soul.

Viking Compass

Also called Vegvisir which means “that which shows the way” this symbol matches the Helm of Awe in general outlook but upon some closer inspection, it is obvious that the arms of the Compass are different as compared to all similar in the Helm of Awe.

It was considered to possess magical capabilities that would help one keep their direction or find it if they lost it while out at sea. Being very successful seamen, the Vikings depended on their instincts, the protection of their gods through symbols and sheer luck.

However, more than just for the theoretical purpose, the compass is thought to keep us on track with our spiritual journey as well.

Viking Pendant History

The Viking pendant has long been held in high regard by the Norse people because of its sentimental value. Most of them were made for talismans that were a wife’s gift to her husband as he sets off on a long voyage at sea. She did this in hopes that the amulet would protect her husband in the hard times and that it would bring him back home to her.

These pendants were held onto by families and would only be found on graveyard stones but never in any buried treasure as was the Viking norm.

These pendants were traditionally made using the wax method that needs mold of the symbol to be created and then melted metal is poured into this mold to take its shape. Once dry, they would chip off the wax and polish the metal.  

Conclusion

Pendants are clearly all-time favorite piece of jewelry to have. With the infusion of other cultures such as the Celtics, these symbols have continued to evolve over time and it can be confusing to tell them apart. Their versatility in size, shape, design and hidden meaning or background story associated with them makes for a great selection for a gift to a person of any age and gender.

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