Vegvísir
The vegvísir ( Icelandic for 'signpost') is a symbol that comes from the Icelandic magic tradition of the Galdrastafir. As a symbol it can be found with a concrete representation in the grace manuscript . There it says: "If that symbol is carried, the wearer should not get lost in a storm or wind, even if the path ahead is unknown".
The commonly used name "Viking Compass" is misleading. It is unlikely that this sign was even known at the time of the Vikings. The Huld manuscript was written around 1860, long after the end of the Viking Age (1066 according to our era). So far there is no evidence of a use of this symbol before 1600. That means a use before that or even a use from the Viking Age is unlikely, although of course it can never be completely ruled out. Some researchers believe that the sign developed later and was under the influence of Western (Mediterranean) magic traditions. This influence can also be observed in other Icelandic magic symbols.
Neopagan interpretation
A neo-pagan interpretation of the sign, based entirely on non-verifiable personal beliefs, is as follows:
Eight directions are shown in a star shape around a center. Together with the middle, the eight rays are supposed to represent the nine worlds of Norse mythology:
- Upper world: Wanenheim , Asgard , Albenheim
- Earth: Jötunheim , Midgard , Muspellsheim
- Underworld: Schwarzalbenheim , Helheim , Niflheim
This modern interpretation is based on an analogy to the world tree Yggdrasil .
More recent illustrations show the center with an empty circle. The original representation is said to have been square. There are also interpretations as a circular symbol.
Trivia
The Icelandic singer Björk wears a tattoo of vegvísir on her left upper arm.
literature
- Stephen Flowers : The Galdrabók: An Icelandic Grimoire. Samuel Weiser, Inc. , York Beach 1989, ISBN 0-87728-685-X .
Web links
- Vegvisir. In: inana.info. 2nd March 2018.
- The Vegvisir. In: norse-mythology.org.
- Vegvísir (Path Guide). In: galdrastafir.com.