The Role of Ravens in Norse and Viking Culture

When we think of Norse mythology and ravens, it is likely that our minds

would immediately jump to Odin and his ravens, Huginn and Muninn but

the ravens played a part on Norse mythology before the world was even

created. A pair of ravens also appear in the creation stories of the Norse

world.

Before the world existed, there was a void known as Ginnungagap which

was the home of Ymir, the primordial giant. Ymir was the place where all

life would begin, and within the void this new live slept within Ymir and

would not grow until it was released. For the world to be created, a pair

of ravens appeared and began to eat at Ymir’s flesh which allowed life to

be released and the world to come into creation. From the very

beginning of the Norse mythology, there have been ravens, and they

continued through the Viking era.

Within Norse mythology, ravens were seen as symbols of wisdom,

foresight, and had a strong connection to death. Although the raven was

connected to death, that does not mean it was a negative thing. Ravens

were not a bad omen, as if a warrior saw a raven on the battle field this

could be interpretated as Odin watching over them which was not a bad

thing, whether the warrior lived or died.

Viking culture had a strong link to death and rebirth and death was not

something to be feared. If a warrior met his death on the battle field they

did not fear this as it was not the end, it was just movement from one life

to another – from one battle to the next in Valhalla.

In Viking society, ravens were seen as a representative of Odin and the

‘circle of life’ that they believed in and so it was common was common

for ravens to appear the flags and banners taken into battle or

representing the houses of Kings and Jarls in Scandinavia across the 9 th ,

10 th , and 11 th centuries.

Viking culture was one of exploration and raiding and so wherever they

went, their raven symbolism went with them which led to ravens

becoming incorporated into cultures across the globe. One example of

this would be on the Isle of Mann, which has a raven in its coat of arms

and was invaded and ruled over Scandinavian kings

The Isle of Man is set in the middle of the Irish Sea with clear views of

England, Ireland, Scotland, and Wales and so it is a prime site for trade

between places which would appeal to Viking traders. There is mention

in the Annals of Ulster for the year 798 show that an invasion took place

at Inis Patraicc which is believed to be St Patrick’s Isle off the Manx town

of Peel.

Records show that by the year 820 the Vikings had fully conquered and

settled on the Isle of Man and remained in placed until 1265 when the

island was handed over to Alexander II of Scotland. It, therefore, makes

sense that the raven symbolism came with the Vikings.

Norse mythology still fascinates many people today.