12/19/2023 0 Comments Vegvisir huld manuscript description![]() It’s difficult to say for certain whether the Vegvisir was used by the Vikings or not. Was the Vegvisir Ever Used by the Vikings? This could be part of the reason for the confusion around the symbol’s origins. ![]() This depiction of how to use the Vegvisir symbol has something in common with the Viking symbol of protection, the Aegishjalmur, or the “Helm of Awe”. It’s seen as a symbol of protection and guidance, and the book advises drawing the vegvisir in blood on a person’s forehead, to prevent them from getting lost. In the Galdrabok, the Vegvisir is also described as a symbol designed to help people find their way. ![]() This grimoire details a variety of ancient spells and provides insights into the early notions of magic in the pagan world. Interestingly, references to the Vegvisir did appear in another ancient Nordic text, known as the “Galdrabok”. The symbol hasn’t been found on any ancient runic stones, in cave drawings, or on Viking jewelry. The manuscript, produced by Geir Vigfússon says that anyone who carries the Vegvisir sign will never lose their way, regardless of storms or bad weather, even if they’re completely lost.īefore this description, there are no known depictions of the Vegvisir in viking history. The first recorded description of the Vegvisir comes from the Icelandic “Huld” manuscript, written several hundred years after the Viking age (in 1860). While it’s often referred to as the “Viking compass”, there’s little evidence that the Vikings ever actually used such a symbol themselves. One of the things that makes the Vegvisir symbol so complex is its uncertain origins. Others believe the Vegvisir runes have a deeper inherent meaning connected to spiritually helping human beings “find their way” through life. Some people think the shapes on the symbol are intended to simply act as cardinal points, similar to the points a modern compass might have. They may be based on runes such as maðr (ᛘ) or yr (ᛦ), but there are many variations of the symbol which make it difficult to discern their exact purpose. However, the rune staves in the Vegvisir symbol don’t appear to have any clear meaning. Runes are a powerful part of viking mythology, which could be why the Vegvisir is so commonly associated with the Viking community. Some even say the Vikings may have painted these symbols on their ships when exploring the oceans. Tradition says the Norse people once believed wearing a Vegvisir symbol would help to guide them safely to home wherever they went. What does the Vegvisir symbol mean?Īs mentioned above, the word Vegvisir means “signpost” or “wayfinder”, which is why it’s typically referred to as a viking or Nordic compass. ![]() Unfortunately, as we’ll discuss below, it’s difficult to know exactly where the symbol came from, or whether it had anything to do with the Viking culture.ĭespite uncertain origins, the Vegvisir has become a popular symbol in both Scandinavia, and around the world, appearing on Vegvisir rings and pendants, in viking-inspired tattoos, and even in video games, such as “Valheim”. Some people believe the symbol was used as a kind of compass in the Viking era, as the word “vegvisir” literally means “wayfinder” or “signpost” in Icelandic. The Vegvisir, known as the Viking, Runic, or Nordic compass, is a complex symbol made up of eight runic “staves.” There are a number of different variations of the design scattered throughout popular culture, but in each one, the symbol features eight crossing lines, with images at the end of each stave. What is the Vegvisir Symbol? An Introduction Here’s everything you need to know about the Viking compass. One particular symbol you may be familiar with, if you’ve watched the show “Vikings,” or seen a Bjork concert, is the “Vegvisir symbol.” Otherwise known as the “Viking Compass,” the Vegvisir symbol is a complex, yet beautiful design, associated with discovery and exploration. Growing interest in Viking lore, inspired by movies, television shows, and books, has sparked a new passion for runes and glyphs that stretches far beyond the borders of Scandinavia. ![]() Symbols from the Nordic and Viking landscapes have grown increasingly popular in recent years, particularly among jewelry makers and tattoo artists. ![]()
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