Old Norse pagan symbols were a vital part of the Norse mythology and culture. These symbols had deep meanings and were used to represent various ideas, concepts, and beliefs. One of the most prominent symbols in Old Norse paganism is the Valknut, also known as the "knot of the slain." This symbol consists of three interlocking triangles and was associated with Odin, the chief god of the Norse pantheon. The Valknut is often interpreted as a symbol of Odin's power over life and death, and his ability to choose those who would die in battle and be taken to his realm in Valhalla. Another important symbol in Old Norse paganism is the Mjölnir, also known as Thor's hammer.
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The Pahoehoe lava flow / Brocken Inaglory, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
The Curse of Pele: Why People Return Lava Rocks to Hawaii
Here’s a strange story - maybe a little coincidence, you may say - that is more recent and actually in our time. As common knowledge among the locals on the island, remember to NOT remove any lava rocks or lava sand or any type of formation to bring home as a souvenir, because they are all considered as Pele’s possession. Some say that there is in fact a curse to those who remove lava rocks from this island. Don’t believe me?
For years now, the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and the nearby post office have been receiving hundreds of packages with pieces of lava rocks in all shapes and sizes from places like Germany, Japan, and Australia, some with postage costing up to $100 dollars.
Sounds crazy? Why would they ship rocks back to Hawaii? Well, often these packages come with letters from the sender explaining why they mailed back the rock. The letters tell all sorts of bad things that have happened to them since they took the rocks, such as deaths, employment problems, family problems, appliances breaking, you name it. and they think these are all related to Pele and her curse. In these letters they apologize, and plead with park rangers to return the lava rock back to where it belongs, in the hopes of improving their situation.
For that reason, we sure hope you listen to us, and not take any lava rocks with you as you visit Hawaii on your vacation. But if you still want to do it. good luck! Don’t tell us we didn’t warn you! Maybe you might just want to turn around and return it? Ya know. just to be safe.
So, what do you think? Is Madam Pele real? Or Is “Pele” the unseen force that governs the volcano, and other unexplained things that we humans don’t have control of? Or is she just a superstition? Well, I'll let you be the judge of that.
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Don’t Take Lava Rocks From Hawaii: Pele’s Curse
If you’re thinking about taking a little piece of Hawaii home with you, think again. It’s not only illegal to take lava rocks from Hawaii, but it’s also considered bad luck. Known as Pele’s Curse, taking lava rocks from the islands is said to bring bad luck and misfortune upon the thief. So if you’re planning on visiting the islands anytime soon, leave the rocks behind and enjoy your vacation!
Another important symbol in Old Norse paganism is the Mjölnir, also known as Thor's hammer. This symbol was associated with Thor, the god of thunder and strength. Mjölnir was believed to have the power to protect and bless its wearer, as well as to summon thunder and lightning.
Taking Lava Rocks Is Illegal!
Taking lava rocks from Hawaii is illegal because it is considered to be taking a protected natural resource from the state. Lava rocks are formed from the cooled lava that flows from volcanoes and can be found in various places around the Hawaiian islands. The rocks are often used for construction purposes or as decoration in gardens.
The rocks are an important part of the Hawaiian culture and have spiritual significance to the people who live here. Removing lava rocks from Hawaii without permission is viewed as theft of this natural resource and is punishable by law.
It is believed that Mjölnir was also used as a symbol of strength and courage, and was often worn or carried by warriors as a symbol of their connection to Thor and their readiness for battle. The Vegvisir, or the "wayfinder," is another significant symbol in Old Norse paganism. This symbol was believed to act as a compass, guiding its bearer through storms and difficult times. It was often used by Norse navigators and explorers to ensure a successful voyage. The Vegvisir is seen as a symbol of protection and guidance, and is often associated with the mythological figure of the god Odin, who was believed to have the ability to navigate the realms with ease. The Helm of Awe, also known as Ægishjálmr, is yet another important symbol in Old Norse paganism. This symbol was believed to possess powerful protective qualities and was used to ward off evil and misfortune. The Helm of Awe was often depicted as a circle with intersecting lines or as a radial design. It was believed that wearing this symbol could instill fear and courage in its wearer and grant them strength in battle. Old Norse pagan symbols have a rich and complex symbolism that reflects the beliefs and values of the Norse people. These symbols were not only decorative but also carried spiritual and magical connotations. They were used as sources of protection, guidance, and empowerment, and played an essential role in the daily lives of the Norse people. Today, these symbols continue to hold significance and are embraced by individuals seeking to connect with Norse mythology and its rich cultural heritage..
Reviews for "Ancient Norse Pagan Symbols: Gateway to the Viking Worldview"
1) Lisa - 2 stars - I was really excited to learn more about Old Norse pagan symbols and their interpretations, but this book fell way short of my expectations. The author seemed to lack in-depth knowledge and provided a superficial understanding of the subject matter. The content was repetitive and failed to provide any new insights or perspectives. I was left feeling disappointed and underwhelmed.
2) John - 1 star - As someone with a deep interest in Norse mythology and symbolism, I found this book to be a complete waste of time. The author's interpretations were shallow, lacking any scholarly basis or historical evidence. I expected a more thorough exploration of the subject matter, but instead, I was met with vague interpretations that seemed to be based on personal opinion rather than solid research. I would not recommend this book to anyone seeking accurate and insightful information on Old Norse pagan symbols.
3) Sarah - 2 stars - I found "Old Norse Pagan Symbols and Interpretations" to be a rather frustrating read. The author attempted to cover a wide range of symbols but failed to provide any real depth or detail for each one. The explanations felt rushed and lacked the necessary context to fully understand the significance of these symbols. Additionally, the book could have benefited from more visuals, as it was difficult to visualize some of the symbols based solely on the descriptions provided. Overall, I was left feeling unsatisfied and would not recommend this book to those seeking a comprehensive understanding of Norse symbolism.