The drakkar is the Viking longship everyone imagines first: a narrow warship cutting through dark water, with a carved dragon head at the prow and a single square sail swollen with wind. These “dragon ships” were built for speed and long-distance voyages, carrying warriors, traders, and explorers to new coasts and unknown rivers. Over time, the drakkar became a symbol of courage, movement, and chosen direction – the ship of those who were not afraid to leave safe shores behind.
For Vikings, a dragon-headed ship was more than transport; it was a statement of power and protection.
What does a Drakkar mean?
A drakkar is the classic Viking longship with a dragon (or serpent) head at the prow – a “dragon ship.” The modern word comes from the Old Norse dreki (“dragon”) and later medieval/French usage for large, ornate warships with carved beasts at the bow.
Dragon Power and Protection
The dragon head is the core of the drakkar’s identity. Medieval sources and modern research describe large longships with carved dragon or serpent heads and tails, with the sail visually forming the “wings” of the beast. These “dragon ships” were associated with elite war fleets and high-status owners.
Dragon prows had two main functions:
- Intimidation.
They were designed to appear menacing from a distance and to project psychological power before the crew even landed.
- Protection.
Accounts around reconstructed dragonships note that the head was considered a magical safeguard against sea monsters, storms, and hostile forces – the more elaborate the carving, the greater the status and “protection” of the owner.
Journey, Exploration, and Destiny
Viking longships were engineered for speed, shallow draft, and long-distance travel. Archaeology and experimental reconstructions show sleek hulls, up to 30–40 oar pairs, and performance that allowed rapid coastal raids and deep river penetration.
These ships carried expeditions from Scandinavia to the British Isles, the Frankish coasts, the rivers of Rus’, the Mediterranean, and even North America. Longships are consistently associated with crossing into the unknown – new coasts, trading routes, and settlements.
A drakkar talisman works as a reminder to keep moving, test new waters, and accept that the route to your own “coast” will pass through uncertainty.
Leadership and Brotherhood
Large dragonships were expensive assets. Studies of longship types note that the biggest “dreki” vessels, with 30+ benches, functioned as flagships and carried kings or powerful chieftains.
In practice, a drakkar was a team container: every successful voyage required discipline at the oars, trust in the commander, and shared risk.
Worn as jewelry, a drakkar often resonates with people who lead teams, families, or projects and see themselves as responsible for direction and safety.
Drakkar as Jewelry Symbol – 5 Best Drakkar Pieces
Below are five VarVar pieces featuring the drakkar symbol. All are handcrafted in Ukraine and available in 925 sterling silver with options in various gold alloys and 950 platinum, depending on the model.
1. Drakkar Symbol Ring with Urnes Style
This ring combines the drakkar symbol with Urnes-style Viking ornament. Urnes designs are known for slim, stylised beasts with almond-shaped eyes and ribbon-like bodies woven into tight, asymmetric patterns.
On the ring, the drakkar functions as the central sign of movement and courage, while the Urnes ornament around it frames the ship inside a flow of intertwined lines – a visual metaphor for navigating complex circumstances.
2. Drakkar Pendant
This pendant from the Nordic Talismans line takes the drakkar shape and distills it into a clean, everyday amulet. The focus is on a clear ship silhouette without heavy historic ornament.
Within the collection, pieces are designed as compact symbols: small enough to wear daily, strong enough to carry an idea.
3. Viking Ship Ring from Nordic Talismans Jewelry
The Drakkar Ring takes the same idea as the pendant and adapts it to a low-profile band. The ship motif is integrated into the ring’s top, keeping the design practical for daily wear. It has no oversized elements that catch on clothing, but a clear, strong symbol when you look at your hand.
VarVar positions this piece as a sign of journeys, bravery, and the will to discover new horizons – essentially a compact reminder to keep moving rather than stagnating.
4. Norse Drakkar Pendant in Sterling Silver
The Norse Drakkar Pendant is more of a statement piece compared to the minimalist Nordic Talismans pendant. It presents the ship with richer relief and more pronounced detailing on hull, prow, and surrounding ornament, which creates a stronger “artifact” feel.
You can wear it on a plain chain and let the drakkar carry the whole story. Symbolically, it pushes harder into leadership and presence, like a flagship among other ships in the fleet.
5. Drakkar Symbol with Wolf Ornament Ring
This ring combines two strong Norse motifs: the dragon ship of exploration and the wolf as a sign of strength, loyalty, and the wild. In Norse-inspired symbolism, wolves can represent both destructive power and protective pack bonds. Many modern interpretations emphasize strength, independence, resilience, and devotion to one’s “tribe.”
Set Sail with Your Own Drakkar
The Dakkar is not just “a Viking boat.” It is a dragon ship, a vessel with a carved beast’s head, built for speed and long-distance raids, symbolizing courage, movement, leadership, and a consciously chosen direction.
VarVar’s Drakkar jewelry show this ship as daily talismans.
On a hand or chest, the longship becomes a small but precise reminder:
- you are the one who chooses the route,
- you are responsible for your crew,
- staying in harbor is a decision, not destiny.
Choose the drakkar that best fits your journey and let it sail with you every day.
