The Valknut or death knot has a history behind it that goes back to Viking times. Unfortunately, it has been taken out of context, and some people use it as a supremacist symbol.
The Valknut is a Norse symbol composed of three interlocking triangles. Although its exact meaning is debated, it is commonly associated with Norse mythology and culture, especially with the god Odin. The term “death knot” is commonly used to refer to this symbol because of its symbolic connection to the afterlife and protection on the journey to the afterlife.
The Valknut has been found in sepulchral contexts and on funerary monuments, suggesting its connection to burial rituals and the veneration of the dead in ancient Norse culture. In addition, the Valknut is believed to represent the connection between fallen warriors and Odin, the chief god of Norse mythology, who selected the brave warriors to take them to Valhalla, the hall of the fallen.
History of the Valknut or the Death Knot
As we explained to you, the origin of the Valknut is somewhat uncertain. However, representations of the death knot have been found in different archaeological contexts, which has allowed inferring possible meanings and dimensioning its importance in the ancient Nordic culture.
The Valknut is found on several runestones and runic carvings dating from the Viking period and the Norse Migration Era (8th to 11th centuries). These depictions suggest an association with death, bravery in battle, and a connection to the god Odin.
In Norse mythology, Odin was the chief god of the Asgardians and was credited with the ability to select warriors fallen in battle to take them to Valhalla, the hall of the fallen. The Valknut may have represented a symbolic connection between Odin and fallen warriors, signaling their status and fate after death.
The Valknut has also been found on funerary stones and in burial contexts, suggesting its association with funerary rituals and the veneration of the dead. Some researchers believe that the Valknut may have represented a guide or protective symbol for the souls of fallen warriors on their journey to the afterlife.
Contemporary Meanings
Today, the Valknut or death knot has become a popular symbol in contemporary Nordic culture and is widely used in tattoos, jewelry, and other decorative items. Since the mid-20th century, the Valknut has been adopted as a symbol by white supremacists, anti-government extremists, and neo-pagan racists, such as Odinists (sometimes called Wotanists).
In countries where the swastika is banned, groups use the valknut as a socially acceptable substitute. Take it into account, it may not be a good idea to use it as a tattoo.
The Valknut, however, is also used for more innocuous purposes. It has been claimed, for example, by practitioners of Ásatrú, a neo-pagan religion that insists that a proper interpretation of the Prosa, or Younger, Edda leads to respect and tolerance for all.
Death Knot or Valknut Design
The Valknut design consists of three interlocking triangles, often drawn in the shape of a knot. These triangles can be depicted in different ways, but are generally interlocked so that they form a symmetrical pattern, each of the triangles having a vertex in common with the other two, creating an intricate, linked appearance.
The Valknut can be represented in both flat and three-dimensional forms. In its flat form, it is typically drawn as a two-dimensional figure, while in its three-dimensional form, it can be sculpted or carved into objects, such as stones or wood.
This story was originally published in Spanish in Cultura Colectiva
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