As you know, the Vikings were mainly warriors and sailors, who lived in the harsh climatic conditions of Scandinavia, it is no surprise that the compass is such an important symbol of Icelandic culture. Today, we will shed light on this absolutely essential symbol of Viking culture - the Vegvisir symbol.
VEGVISIR ORIENTATION SYMBOL
The Vegvisir gets its name from the combination of the Icelandic words vegur (road or path) and visir, whose closest translation in this context is "guide". Its most basic meaning is that of a signpost or guide. We can deduce the meaning of vegvisir - the runic compass.
But, how does the Vegvisir compass work?
Well, it is used in a magical way. It should not be confused with a real Viking compass.
Of course, as experienced sailors, the Vikings were used to traveling on open waters, and for that, they had to use something to navigate. The first Viking compass was one of the most memorable Viking achievements that earned them the title “The first true navigators.” Here, we are not talking about that.
As we said, the vegvisir is an object of Norse magic. It is supposed to be worn by a person going through storms or bad weather.
How do you wear the vegvisir symbol, you might ask?
Well, according to the Huld manuscript, it is supposed to be drawn with blood on a person's forehead. Of course, few people today would engage in such a sacrifice for a bit of magical protection, but you have to consider the time context.
Before electricity, the internet, GPS, and all the modern inventions we use today to get home safely, people had to be creative. If it was necessary to carve a vegvisir symbol to avoid getting lost, it was done.
The meaning of the vegvisir's arms is not entirely clear, but since there are eight of them, the most likely explanation is that they represent the cardinal points - the 9 worlds of Norse mythology. Each arm represents a world and the central part is Midgard the world of Men, the world in which we live.
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WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF THE VEGVISIR TODAY?
Since the origin of the vegvisir symbol in the Huld manuscript, its purpose has changed. Nowadays, many who use the symbol do not use it for its original purpose of showing the way. Today, it is often used as one of the most recognizable symbols of Norse mythology and paganism in general (the irony is that it was created long after the pagan era).
At least one thing remains similar to the original use in Iceland. As we have already said, the vegvisir symbol was engraved on a forehead.
In fact, it was rarely found on someone's forehead, but quite often on the body. Yes, today, the vegvisir is often tattooed. It is one of the most common tattoos related to the Norse (probably apart from Mjolnir and Helm of Awe). Even the Icelandic singer Bjork has a vegvisir tattooed on her left arm.
To be honest, it’s not such a bad idea for a tattoo. Who wouldn’t like a symbol that is supposed to guide you in life? Of course, it’s not about crossing storms or bad weather, but a more metaphorical sense. Who doesn’t need a little guidance in their life?
IS THE VEGVISIR REALLY VIKING?
Now, the main reason why we are here today.
The first thing it is important to mention is that the Vegvisir does not date from the Viking era. The origin of the vegvisir comes from Icelandic grimoires. To clarify, the Icelandic grimoire is a book of spells and various things related to magic. One source is the Huld manuscript and the other is the Icelandic book Galdrabok.
Since the Huld manuscript dates from the 19th century and Galdrabok dates from the late 16th or early 19th century, it can be said that Galdrabok is the oldest mention of the vegvisir symbol.
As we know, the Viking Age lasted until the 11th century, and since the first mention of the vegvisir symbol dates from the late 16th century, we can say with certainty that the vegvisir symbol appeared at least 500 years after the Viking Age (and probably a bit later).
MEANING OF THE VÉGVISIR: THE ESSENTIALS
So now you know. When you see someone tattooed with a vegvisir, you are fully entitled to ask them the true origin of this sign.
If the answer is ''oh, it’s a Viking symbol, that’s very cool'', it is not only your right but also your duty to correct them since the only part of that sentence that is correct is that it’s very cool.
So, vegvisir is not a Viking symbol, it is an Icelandic symbol. It is not a symbol, it is a magical stave. In the end, score a touchdown by explaining that it is a compass, but not really a compass either. Maybe even ask them why they don’t have it on their forehead.
If you just wanted to learn more about Vegvisir, you can stop here, but to understand the role of symbols in different cultures, keep reading.
THE PLACE OF SYMBOLS IN RELIGIONS
Religious symbols have had varied purposes throughout history, but they mainly served as a moral compass, constantly reminding people of their beliefs. The symbols also had the power to directly convey the word of God, break spells, protect, and guide in the darkest moments.
A unique religious symbol often had opposite effects within itself, and consequently, it offered a dual value to those who believed in it.
For example, the original purpose of the Star of David was to ward off evil spirits. Yet it ultimately became the symbol of martyrdom and strength—the most widely recognized symbol of Judaism.
In Christianity, the symbol of the cross is considered a sign of both suffering and salvation. And according to Chinese philosophical beliefs, the ancient symbol of Yin and Yang represents the opposing but complementary forces of life. And the writings of the Prose and Poetic Edda suggest that the symbols of Norse mythology were no different.
It is important to remember that a symbol is closely linked to the society in which it appeared. Still, it must be a philosophically broad enough term for us to apply it to our lives ten centuries later.
WHY ARE SYMBOLS IMPORTANT?
Some anthropologists claim that symbols are universal marks representing specific ideas and objects depending on the cultural context in which they appear. Others argue that they are so deeply rooted in our unconscious that there would be no intelligent life without them. But all agree that symbols have existed since the beginning of humanity.
Whether you believe it or not, symbols are and have always been all around us.
Sometimes we notice them immediately, and sometimes they hide in plain sight, simply waiting to catch our attention. For example, even everyday objects such as a mirror, a handbag, or a knife have their own symbolic meaning.
In literature, one can find that a mirror represents vanity or a passage through the soul, that a handbag is a universal symbol of wealth, and that the symbol of a knife generally represents betrayal.
Although the human mind reacted to symbols more immediately before the scientific revolution, it goes without saying that they are still connected to all aspects of our lives.
Through colors, sounds, patterns, and signs, symbols have forever shaped our worldview. Whether in medieval imagery or modern logos, they have remained a fundamental expression of meaning and ideas that often speak louder than a thousand words.
OTHER IMPORTANT SYMBOLS IN NORDIC MYTHOLOGY
The Scandinavian peoples had many very important symbols, even their alphabet, the Futhark composed of runes, was a catalog of powerful symbols.
Well many others…
