The Vikings were much more than just fearsome warriors. They were guided by the gods, and the stories of the gods affected their view of the world. The same could be said about Odin, Thor, Freyja, Hel, and the Berserkers. As they weren't distant figures of myth, they represented values of wisdom, protection, love, resilience, and raw courage. These archetypes were brought into everyday life with symbols and amulets, worn as jewelry or as a form of spirit shield.
Modern Viking jewelry continues this legacy. Each pendant, ring, or amulet is more than just silver. Here at VarVar, we think it is important to offer jewelry that speaks to modern values of strength, leadership, loyalty, and inner strength.
Who Were the Norse Gods?
In Norse mythology - represented as the Poetic Edda and Prose Edda in literature - the Viking gods are viewed as a group of deities that represented the struggles and values of Viking society. Unlike other cultures with remote and higher deities, the Norse gods were much more relatable. They were flawed individuals who made mistakes and sacrifices, committed acts of injustice while engaging in battle.
Below is a list of five core Viking Gods that can inspire you to write your own stories:
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Odin, "The All-Father," who was the seeker of knowledge.
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Thor, god of Thunder, who represented protection and courage throughout Viking society.
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Freyja, goddess of love and magic, symbolized known beauty and fertility, but she also represented strength and feminine power.
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Hel, as the ruler of the Second Life, represented death, but she was also focused on bringing balance between life and death.
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Berserkers, as legendary warrior identifiers, were revered for accomplishing things unimaginable.
History tells us they were men who refused to succumb to fear in their rage and in war; they were treated as almost a divine entity.
Clearly, these gods were more than a story. They were a constant, daily part of the Vikings thought process, and even parts of their lives. The Viking gods were used to symbolize good and evil to correct behavior. The symbols of these deities could be seen in Nordic silver jewelry, weapons, or as runes (the letters of ancient Nordic culture), were a powerful reminder of the gods' might along with their own identities.
With that being said, let's take a deeper look at the top five Norse Gods and their symbolizations.
1. Odin, The One-Eyed All-Father
In Norse mythology, Odin was the All-Father. He was the god of wisdom, war, and poetry. Odin sacrificed one of his eyes in pursuit of knowledge, showing that true wisdom often comes with a price. It is interesting that his two ravens, Huginn (Thought) and Muninn (Memory), flew across the nine realms, returning with news from the world.
Historical fact: From archaeological findings such as gold bracteates and Vendel helmets, we know that Odin is flanked by ravens, which confirms the importance of these birds.
Also, did you know that Vikings also used real ravens at sea? If the bird did not return, it signaled nearby land, and it made them practical and symbolic guides.
Odin’s jewelry radiates wisdom, foresight, and leadership. It is for men who know that true strength is not just in muscle but in mind.
2. Thor and His Hammer, Mjölnir
Thor, the protector of gods and men, has often been described as the god of thunder. The hammer Mjolnir was much more than a weapon; it became a sacred symbol of protection, pregnancy and abortion and order. Viking age Scandinavians wore Mjolnir as a pendant at any ceremony, from cradle to grave, and so naming ceremonies would be akin to today's talk shows announcing births and weddings and funeral traditions would illustrate this greatly.
Historical fact: When archaeologists examined Scandinavia, thousands of Mjölnir pendants were found which indicated just how prevalent the recognized symbol of protection was. When an individual wore the hammer pendant during the gradual Christianization of Scandinavia, people were wearing it either to depict rebellion, respect their ancestors, or simply as a manner of existence.
Why wear it? The modern Mjolnir that can be purchased today is usually silver-made and adorned with knotwork and runes to symbolize strength and protection. If you see yourself as a protector of your family, values, and beliefs, Thor jewelry is for you. Definitely for men who take pride in carrying burdens and responsibilities with strength and courage.
3. Freyja, Goddess of Beauty and Love
Although Freyja is not a warrior god, she is probably the epitome of everything we Viking dudes believe. Freyja is the goddess of love, fertility, magic, and protection. And she represents an array of symbols, including falcons, cats, and even the legendary jewelry (necklace) called Brísingamen.
Modern Symbol: Freyja-inspired jewelry is often about elegance, intricacy, and grace. It is about silver pieces that can equally be enhanced by an emphasis on beauty.
4. Hel, A Guardian of the Underworld
Hel, the daughter of Loki and Angrboda, ruled over the dead and ruled the underworld that carried her name. She was often described as half alive and half dead, or half normal and half corpse. She is the personification of both the inevitability of death and the fragility of life. Unlike Valhalla, which is the destination for the warriors that die at battle, Hel's kingdom is the afterlife for, you guessed it, the regular folks that die at regular death.
Historical fact: The Prose Edda, written by Snorri Sturluson, has Hel as a force of nature - powerful, respected, not a villain. Hel kept the balance between life and death.
Why wear it? Hel pendants are symbols of acceptance of mortality, resilience, and strength of will to tackle whatever life throws at you.
Jewelry with Hel is great for men who believe that courage is not denying death, but finding the will to live, with all its challenges.
5. Berserkers, Warriors that Transcended Rage and Strength
The Berserkers were fighters of lore who would enter the battle in a kind of trance-like fury and were believed to be blessed by Odin before the fight. The Berserkers would wear bear or wolf skin, believing they carried the spirit and strength of the animal.
Historical fact: Berserkr means literally "bear shirt." In sagas, Berserkers are proven to be elite warriors who were even feared by their own comrades.
Why wear it? Berserker jewelry would include motifs of bears and wolves, runes for strength like uruz, and warrior symbolism. This jewelry is for you if you live with courage, passion, and intensity. We made it for men who channel their power to break limits.
Conclusion
Norse gods are more than myths. They are eternal archetypes. When you wear an Odin jewelry, you embody the pursuit of wisdom. The Ravens embody memory and thought. Thor's hammer is protection and courage. Hel’s pendant reminds the wearer of resilience, and the Berserker amulets ignite raw power.
When you wear Viking jewelry, you are wearing more than silver. You wear stories, values, and heritage that have been forged in myth, lived in history, and traveled with you into your everyday life.
