Valknut

Size: 30,3 x 22,6 cm

Materials: Watercolour on watercolour paper

For my fifth symbol, I picked the Valknut, simply because of its connection to Norse mythology.

The Valknut is one of the most discussed of the Norse symbols. There are several theories as to what it stands for. The name Valknut is a modern invention and the word roughly means “knot of those fallen in battle” but there is no evidence of use in relation to the fallen.

Some say it depicts “Hrungnir‘s Heart” mentioned in Snorri Sturluson’s Prose Edda, and some say it’s related to seidr, a shamanic practice from Scandinavia. It appears on several runestones and memorial stones, as well as on items found in graves. It appears in two distinct forms, unicursal and tricursal, meaning that it’s drawn as one line or as three.

The three interlocking triangles have been associated with the Celtic triskele, as a symbol of birth, death, and rebirth. The nine points may also suggest the Nine Worlds of Norse mythology. Their interwoven shape suggests the belief of the relations between the realms and the relation between gods, men, and jotnar.

The Valknut is also an important symbol to some followers of the Asatru tradition, who wear it as a symbol of the faith. But it’s also been used by companies, and misused by right-wing extremists.

I used wet on dry to create the flames.