Odin's Knot
Courage for the Heart and Strength for the Mind
The main feature of Odin's knot comes in the form of three
interlocked triangles, showing a total of nine points. Flanking
each side of these triangles are the two ravens associated with
Odin: Huginn or "thought" and Muninn or "memory."
The Story of Odin's Knot
Odin is the king of gods in Norse mythology. In the Nordic
pantheon, Odin holds dominion over the war and death, but he is
also associated with magic, wisdom, prophecies and poetic
works. He is always depicted grasping his spear and in the
company of his two ravens.
One of the stories associated with Odin's knot has something to do
with the giant Hrungnir. In this story, Odin made a wager that his
steed Sleipnir would be faster than Gullfaxi, the horse of
Hrungnir. Sleipnir raced against Gullfaxi and won.
Hrungnir went to Valhalla after the race, and there he became
known as a giant who could not hold his drink. Not only that, but
Hrungnir was also abusive when he was drunk. The gods tolerated
his behavior as best as they can. When they reached their limit,
the gods in Valhalla asked Thor the god of thunder to do something
about Hrungnir. Thor challenged and then defeated Hrungnir in
battle. It was noted in the story that Hrungnir's heart had a
strange shape, like three triangles locked together.
The Significance of Odin's Knot
Odin's knot represents many formulas interesting to
mathematicians. It is the geometric equivalent of the Borromean
rings, which are three interlocked circles wherein the removal
of one circle causes the two others to unlink.
It is believed that the nine points created by the three
triangles in Odin's knot represent the nine worlds and the nine
fates in Norse mythology. These nine worlds are divided among
three realms, namely:
- The upper realm. Composed of
Asgard, the home of Odin; Vanaheim, the home of Vanir; and
Alfheim, the home of the elves.
- Below the upper realm. Composed
of Midgard, the world of the humans; Jotunheim, the world of
the giants; and Svartalfheim, the underground belonging to
the dark elves. This realm is connected to the upper realm
by a rainbow bridge called Bifrost.
- The realm of the dead. Composed of
Niflheim, a dark and frozen wasteland; Muspelheim, the world
of the fire giants; and Hel, the world of the dead.
Odin's knot is also tied
closely to beliefs surrounding the concept of creation. The
three triangles are also thought to represent the unending
cycle of rebirth, pregnancy, and reincarnation.
The Odin's knot motif often comes in pendants, to be worn
hanging from a chain around the neck. It is meant to imbue its
wearer with self-confidence and courage, as well as inspire him
or her to do great works. The god Odin is said to have the power
over the minds of humans He can leash or unleash the human
mind according to his will. By wearing Odin's knot, one can
release the mind from fear and stress, making him or her brave
of heart and strong of mind.
About the Author
David Weitzman
The jewelry artist David Weitzman combines ancient and sacred knowledge into a unique line of jewelry designed to bring people both beauty and inspiration. David's artwork harnesses the power of spiritual symbols and sacred geometry from around the world to bring those wearing this sacred jewelry happiness, vitality, excitement, and love.
