Viking Amulets - the magic and symbols of the North

Viking amulets are talismans of the Norse tradition. Each has its own specific symbol and story: Thor's hammer, the knot of the fallen, the world tree. An ordinary "good luck" amulet usually lacks such specificity — here, the symbol has a precise origin and meaning recorded in Norse mythology.

This section features talismans specifically from the Norse tradition. Amulets from other cultures and world traditions are presented in a separate section of the catalog.

What Viking symbols are worn as amulets

Thor's hammer, or Mjölnir, is the most recognizable symbol. Thor was the god of thunder and the protector of people from evil and adversity, and his hammer symbolized strength and patronage — including patronage of farmers, as Thor was also considered a god of fertility.

The Valknut, or "knot of the fallen," is a complex geometric sign of three interlocking triangles, associated with Odin. The symbol embodies the interconnection of life, death, and the otherworld, as well as the honor and courage of a warrior.

Yggdrasil, the world tree, is a symbol of the structure of the universe in Norse mythology. The tree has three mighty roots that reach into different parts of the world, and it holds the entire cosmic structure in which gods and humans live.

What each symbol means

The choice of symbol is usually determined by which meaning is closer to a specific task — Thor's hammer for protection, the Valknut for remembrance of ancestors and warrior honor, Yggdrasil for a sense of connection to the entire structure of the world rather than to just one part of it.

What materials are Viking amulets made from