The Vikings were known for their remarkable craftsmanship, and their jewelry was especially famous. Viking jewelry was often adorned with intricate symbols and motifs, each carrying its own symbolic meaning. In this article, we’ll explore the different types of Viking jewelry and their meanings.
1) Viking Rings
Viking rings were important pieces of jewelry among the Vikings. They were often made of silver, gold, or bronze and featured complex designs such as Celtic knots, animals, and Norse symbols. Vikings believed that wearing these rings would give them the strength to fight their enemies and protect them from evil spirits. Viking rings were also commonly given as gifts to seal agreements and alliances.
A common type was the serpent-head ring, crafted from two intertwined snakes facing each other. Serpents symbolized strength and wisdom, and this ring was thought to grant the wearer these qualities.
Another popular design was the Celtic knot ring, featuring interwoven patterns symbolizing unity and continuity. Vikings believed this ring would help them overcome obstacles and stay united in difficult times.
2) Viking Bracelets
Viking bracelets were also important jewelry items. Typically made of metal and decorated with dragon heads and Norse symbols, they were believed to give the wearer strength in battle and protection against disease and evil spirits. Bracelets were also used to indicate social rank and wealth.
One common type was the serpent bracelet, with two snakes entwined and facing each other, symbolizing strength and wisdom.
Another was the dragon-head bracelet, with a dragon head at each end, representing strength and protection. Vikings believed this would empower them in battle and shield them from evil.
3) Viking Necklaces
Viking necklaces were usually made of metal and adorned with motifs like dragon heads and Norse symbols. Vikings believed these necklaces offered protection from illness and evil spirits and also indicated status and wealth.
One common necklace was the Mjölnir necklace, featuring Thor’s hammer, symbolizing strength and protection.
Another was the rune necklace, adorned with Viking runes—alphabetic symbols used for writing, divination, and magic—believed to offer wisdom and protection.
4) Viking Earrings
Viking earrings were typically made of metal and featured motifs like dragon heads and Norse symbols. Both men and women wore them, believing they provided strength in battle and protection from evil.
A popular design was the cross-shaped earring, adorned with a Norse cross symbolizing protection and luck.
5) Viking Brooches
Viking brooches were made of metal and decorated with dragon heads and Norse symbols. Believed to offer strength and protection, they were mainly used to fasten clothing and accessories.
6) Viking Symbols on Jewelry
Beyond the various types of jewelry, it’s important to understand the symbols that adorned them. The Vikings used a variety of symbols in their art and jewelry, each with its own meaning.
A common one was the Valknut, also known as the Knot of the Slain. This symbol represented death and rebirth and was often used to decorate jewelry and weapons.
The Yggdrasil symbol was also frequently used. Yggdrasil, the tree of life in Norse mythology, represented the connection between all living beings.
What Can We Conclude?
In conclusion, Viking jewelry was both beautiful and meaningful. Rings, bracelets, necklaces, earrings, and brooches all had symbolic value. Symbols like Thor’s hammer, the Valknut, and Yggdrasil represented strength, protection, death and rebirth, wisdom, and the interconnectedness of life.
Today, Viking jewelry and symbols remain popular in modern culture, appearing in fashion, tattoos, and decoration. They continue to inspire films, books, and other works of fiction, keeping alive a chapter of European history that still fascinates people around the world. By learning about these artifacts and symbols, we can better understand Viking history and appreciate their contribution to European culture.