VALKNUT MEADERY AUSTRALIA
New Meads Coming Soon!
Sunday's 'Symbols & their Meanings"
no:1 ~ VALKNUT
I've been asked quite a bit lately what the Valknut means, along with other symbols we have used on our bottles, so on Sundays I'll pick a symbol & do my best to clear up a few questions about these mysterious ancient symbols of Northern Europe.
THE VALKNUT IS WIDELY ASSUMED TO BE A RELIGIOUS SYMBOL
To start off, we will discuss the Valknut itself. Well to begin with, no one actually knows what the symbol used to mean at the time its creation. We do know it was between the 7th & 10th century. Scholars have mixed assumptions, some suggesting it is related to the Norse god Odinn, as one version of the Valknut is depicted with the God during a sacrifice.
Being associated with Odinn in this particular instance, many have again linked it with those who join Odinn in his afterlife hall, Valholl. This is where the modern name Valknut came from, as the word translates to 'Knot of the Chosen', as it is stated in the 13th century Eddas that one must fall bravely in battle to join Odinn in his hall.
There are however several other carvings of the symbol that do not picture Odinn, contradicting the meaning of the modern name. There are 2 versions of the Valknut, as seen in these pictures. Some say that the 9 corners of the Valknut which has 3 interlocked triangles is a representation of the 9 Worlds in Norse/Germanic religion.
THERE ARE MULTIPLE PLAUSIBLE THEORIES ABOUT WHAT THIS SYMBOL MEANS
The symbol is prominently featured on the Nene River Ring, an Anglo-Saxon gold finger ring dated to around the 8th to 9th centuries. It was also found on a wooden bed in the Viking Age Oseberg Ship, which is buried near Tønsberg, Norway. This one features a carving of the symbol on an ornately stylised bedpost and the Oseberg tapestry fragments. A partially preserved tapestry found within the ship burial also features the symbol.
Additionally, the valknut appears prominently on two picture stones from Gotland, Sweden: the Stora Hammars I stone (7th century CE) and the Tängelgårda stone (8th century CE).
Another meaning for the Valknut that is plausible is noted in chapter 17 of the 13th century Prose Edda book Skáldskaparmál. It contains the following description of the heart of the jötunn (giant/devourer) Hrungnir; "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's heart)".
Some people even associate the Valknut with the continuation of life (life, death & rebirth). This is because it is somewhat similar to the Triquetra knot which was used in both Germanic & Celtic culture. Traditional European faith strongly believed, & many still do, in reincarnation.
THERE ARE MULTIPLE PLAUSIBLE THEORIES ABOUT WHAT THIS SYMBOL MEANS
We will probably never know the TRUE meaning of the Valknut, though for me personally, I see it as an overall representation of the ancient Northern European folk, their faith & their culture. They have such a rich history of legends & myths to appreciate & I feel that putting the symbol on our mead bottles is a great way to keep that spirit alive. Mead itself is a VERY sacred drink in ancient European practices, though that's a story for another day.
Hope you enjoyed this.
Skål.
