Valknut
modern term meaning knot of those fallen in battle
A symbol of three interlocked triangles found on Germanic artifacts and used in modern Heathenry.
The valknut is a geometric emblem made of three interlocked triangles that appears on various archaeological finds from the Viking Age and Anglo-Saxon periods. Scholars link it to the Norse god Odin and death rituals, while modern practitioners use it as a religious sign for historic Germanic paganism.
- Three interlocked triangles form the core shape.
- Found on the Nene River Ring from the 8th century.
- Carved into the Oseberg Ship bed in Norway.
- Linked to Odin's power to bind and unbind.
- Used by some White supremacist groups today.
What it is
The valknut is a geometric symbol formed by three interlocked triangles. It creates a subliminal triskelion shape at its center. The name is a modern invention. Historians do not know what ancient people called this mark. It appears on rings, stones, and ship carvings across northern Europe. Modern groups use it as a religious emblem for historic Germanic faiths.
Where it comes from
The symbol shows up on objects from the 7th to 9th centuries. It appears on the Nene River Ring in England. It is carved into the Oseberg Ship bed in Norway. Picture stones in Sweden also bear the mark. Some scholars compare it to the Snoldelev Stone from the 9th century. The exact origin remains unclear because no ancient text names it directly.
How it is done
The symbol exists in two main forms. One form is unicursal, looking like a trefoil knot or triquetra. This version is found on the Tängelgårda stone. The other form is tricursal, with three linked triangles. This looks like Borromean rings. You see this type on the Stora Hammars stones and the Nene River Ring. These are the only topological versions found so far.
Tools and materials
Artisans carved the symbol into wood and stone. Goldsmiths stamped it onto rings. Weavers included it in tapestries. The Oseberg tapestry fragments show the design. The Nene River Ring features it in gold. Picture stones display it alongside figures of gods or animals.
Valknut, drawn and placed
- Living
- Revived
- Fading
- Historical
- Legendary
- Performed
- Lineage
- historic Germanic paganism
What it is for
Scholars suggest the symbol relates to the god Odin. Hilda Ellis Davidson links it to mental binds. She says Odin could bind minds in battle. He could also loosen fear through inspiration. Rudolf Simek notes it appears in burial contexts. This suggests a link to death rituals. Modern Heathens view it as a sign of glory in battle.
Who does it
Archaeologists study the physical artifacts. Historians analyze the cultural context. Modern adherents of Heathenry use the symbol for worship. They see it as a connection to their ancestral past. The symbol appears on memorial stones beside Odin. It also marks graves and burial gifts.
Peoples and places
The symbol belongs to Germanic cultures. It appears in Anglo-Saxon England. It is found in Viking Age Norway. Swedish picture stones feature it prominently. The DFB football team uses a variant for Germany. A Swedish company uses it in its logo. Mongolian banks have adopted it too.
At a glance: who, where and when
Who does it
Belief worlds
What people believe
The Prose Edda describes Hrungnir's heart. It had three sharp corners like hard stone. People compare this description to the valknut. Odin is believed to control these knots. He can bind enemies or free them. The symbol represents his power over mind and fate. Death in battle is a key theme.
Cautions and what is closed
The symbol has been used by White supremacists. This association complicates its modern reception. Some groups claim it for exclusive heritage. Others reject the political misuse. The symbol itself is just a geometric pattern. Its meaning depends on who displays it.
Compare and confuse
It resembles the triquetra and triskelion. Both are Celtic or Germanic knot designs. The looped square is another related mark. Saint John's Arms is a four-cornered version. Mjölnir is Thor's hammer, often seen nearby. The valknut is distinct but shares stylistic roots.
Questions people ask about Valknut
What does the valknut look like?
It consists of three interlocked triangles. They form a central triskelion pattern. The lines may be continuous like a knot. Or they may be separate linked shapes.
Where did the name come from?
The word is a modern creation. It means knot of those fallen in battle. Ancient people did not use this name. Historians do not know their original term.
Is it connected to a specific god?
Scholars often link it to Odin. They say it shows his power to bind minds. It appears near his images on stones. It marks burial sites in Norway and Sweden.
Who uses it today?
Heathens use it as a religious symbol. It represents historic Germanic paganism. Some sports teams and companies use it. Unfortunately, extremist groups also adopt it.
Good reading and sources
- Valknut on WikipediaEncyclopedia
- More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos and video
- Wikidata recordOpen data
The facts on this page come from the Wikipedia article "Valknut", written by its contributors and used under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence, and from its Wikidata record (CC0). EveryJaadu rewrote the text in its own words, with AI assistance, and compares every page with the article to make sure no passage is copied. It may be reused under the same CC BY-SA 4.0 licence with a link back.
It may contain mistakes. Names and customs differ from one community to the next, and some knowledge is closed to outsiders and left out here. This page describes belief and practice. It does not say that any of it works, it is not a how-to, and it is not medical advice. If something is wrong, tell us. Last refreshed 2026-10-05.
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