This runestone was originally found at a church. It is also known in Scandinavia, as it is found on a few runestones, like rune stone G181 from Gotland, Sweden, seen below, which is dated to the Viking-Age (AD 800-1100). Within the 9th century ‘Book of Kells,’ the triquetra can be seen within the many patterns of interlace. The triquetra is mostly known as a Celtic symbol, predominantly within Christian contexts. It may also refer to the connection of the mind, body, and the soul. Some claim that it can be traced back to Neolithic times representing the trinity of sky, earth, and the sea. The exact origin for the symbol is generally unknown. It can also be depicted within a circle, supposedly to represent spiritual unity. Its original form is a singular ribbon that loops around three times to create a threefold, triangular shape. The triquetra, also called the trinity knot or a trifold knot, is typically described as a symbol of the Holy Trinity. In both cases the lines/triangles can either be snuggly fit together or loosely, so that blank space can be seen. The tricursal form is visible in the Viking Age, and has three triangles that are linked together. It is seen twice on a 7th century rune stone from Tängelgårda, Lärbro parish, Gotland, Sweden, underneath the legs of horse in a warrior scene. The unicursal is the earliest form, made of a single line that creates the design. There are two types of the original valknut: the unicursal and the tricursal. It may also refer to the web of life, and the weaving of the strands of destiny. It is also frequently linked to the god Odin (See Nene River Ring and Valknut), and his ability to ‘bind and unbind’ the minds of people, and has thus been called ‘Odin’s knot’. The term itself means ‘knot of the slain.’ The most we can say, based on its artistic context, is that it is somehow connected to the ideas of death, sacrifice, burial, or the underworld. Therefore we lack any substantial written evidence as to what this symbol actually means. It was not called this during the Viking age. I must say first that the term ‘valknut’ is a relatively modern Norwegian word.
The valknut and triquetra are frequently mentioned as one in the same, but I would really argue against this.
The supposed valknut is in the Celtic triqueta form, which, I agree, is loosely visually similar to the valknut (primarily its unicursal style), and similar in cultural affiliation, but is inherently different in terms of ideology and use. Upon viewing the picture, I was pretty disappointed. This particular stone is Brompton 4 (Lang 1984), or Brompton 19 (Lang 2001). The first object that inspired this investigation is the hogback stone from Brompton, Yorkshire, that has been described as having the valknut symbol carved onto its side. This blog post was inspired after seeing a picture one of these monuments, regrettably after the fact, and going on to hunt down these supposed valknutted artefacts to see for myself. In recent papers I’ve presented to conferences I’ve briefly mentioned the valknut symbol and its presence on stone monuments in the British Isles. I am no expert on Viking/Celtic/Christian symbolism, but I am keen to argue against lumping the valknut and triqueta forms together as one. Whilst these ‘variations’ may hold similar meanings, I’m not convinced that they are closely related. triqueta) frequently seen in Celtic cultural contexts. I’ve come across a few sources that state that the valknut comes in various different forms, including one with rounded edges (aka. As I’ve been doing quite a bit of musing about the Nene River Ring and its two contrasting bezels lately, I’ve been asked about different variations of the valknut symbol, and whether or not it was adopted and adapted by Christianity.
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