There's much to discuss regarding these cultures, and these peoples have many stories to tell. Some say the Vikings never existed, while others claim they were a revolutionary culture for their time. Historians clarify many of these misconceptions, and there is evidence to support the existence of both groups. Symbols represent them, and therefore we will analyze the differences between Galician Celtic and Viking symbols.
Many people confuse the Vikings with the Celts , and understandably so; they form an Indo-European group, just like the Slavs, Greeks, and Italics—the so-called modern European peoples. They simply share geographical characteristics and differences, with distinct cultural histories and languages.
What were the Celts like?
This culture spans a period in history from the 8th century BC to the 3rd century AD. The Celts originated from various areas, including parts of Galicia, Northwest Spain, Southwest England, France, Wales, and Brittany. They inhabited almost all of southwestern Europe before the arrival of the Germanic and Viking peoples. Although the Celts shared similarities with Viking culture, the Germanic peoples were much closer to the Vikings. They had a highly advanced culture, but they did not secure their territory very well, which is why they were easily conquered by the Romans and other peoples.
Viking towns
The Vikings were explorers, raiders, and traders. Dating from the 8th to 11th centuries, they were geographically located in Scandinavia, but expanded their territories into other countries such as Greenland, Iceland, and the Americas, and traded with Russia, where they founded Kyiv. They were considered brutal invaders and great plunderers, as they refused to live under the Christian faith.
Differences between Celtic and Viking mythology
There are some similarities between the two cultures, but each has its own gods, beliefs, and traditions. The Vikings worshipped gods like Odin , associated with the power of magic and wisdom, and Thor, the god of thunder and strength. The Celts worshipped Dagda , the god of wisdom and generosity, and Morrigan, the goddess of warriors and sovereignty.
Were there any influences between the Celts and Vikings? During the Viking Age, there were interactions between the two cultures during sieges in Britain and Ireland, so they may have shared some cultural and religious influences . The symbols we have always seen are very similar, but they are also quite distinct, with designs highly representative of each culture, which we will detail below.
Differences between Galician and Viking Celtic symbols
It should be noted that many of the symbols of these cultures have very peculiar and similar shapes. Many people confuse their forms, as these symbols were used for protective purposes, helping them survive battles and protect their warriors, homes, and families . To this day, many of their engravings have survived in our memories, and these are some of their representations.
Viking symbols
Source: vikingheritage.net
Thor's Hammer (Mjölnir)
This symbol has been characterized as the main weapon of the Norse god Thor . It is believed to represent strength, protection, and blessing.
Triskelion
This symbol represents three intertwined spirals forming a circular design. It is not exclusive to the Vikings, as it is found in various cultures in other forms.
Valknut
It is composed of three interlocking triangles. It is thought to be associated with Odin, representing the afterlife in Norse mythology.
Yggdrasil
The World Tree, which symbolizes the nine worlds through their union and where all kinds of animals are housed.
Vegvisir
It is a symbol that guided them like a "Viking compass." It served as protection, guidance, and direction. It is said to have helped guide travelers in challenging times.
Swastika or Thundercross
Well-known to the Nazis, but widely used by the Vikings, especially in conjunction with Thor's hammer and sun wheel . It was a symbol of luck, safety, holiness, and prosperity.
Aegishjalmur
It symbolizes protection and victory over enemies. It reassured Viking warriors during battles because of the eight tridents that made up its design, as they converged towards a central point, forming a kind of defensive wall against enemy forces, something that gave them power.
Gungnir
It is the spear of the god Odin in Norse mythology. It symbolized divine power and authority.
Triple Horn of Odin
Odin's triple horn was intertwined in the form of the Triskelion, with three horns used in rituals and as sacred objects for drinking. Hence, these objects are represented with a symbol to doubly symbolize something sacred, alongside wisdom and inspiration.
wyrd
It is the knowledge of the past, present and future, where they are intimately linked to each other. This symbol comes to materialize all this while maintaining all your beliefs.
Celtic symbols
the triskele
This symbol is one of the most well-known. It consists of three spiraling arms that converge at a central point. It represents perfection, balance, spirit, and mind. It was used for learning, as a talisman, and to heal the sick.
The Tree of Life or Crann Bethadh
Their daily life was linked to the protection of nature and trees, as they provided shelter, food, firewood and animals to hunt. Each part of the tree represents a beautiful part of life and serves as a great amulet.
the triqueta
This symbol represents life, death and reincarnation. It also symbolizes the physical, mental and spiritual. They used it to heal, bless and use it for fertility in men and women.
muse
It is composed of three small circles, where three lines that represent rays of light fall and all of them surrounded by a circle. They represented spiritual and divine enlightenment, also the balance between man and woman.
The Solar Cross
This symbol is related to the sun, representing the solar calendar, the solstices, equinoxes and the four seasons. It also symbolizes the wheel of life and all its progress.
Celtic perennial knot
It is the union of lovers, a knot that represents a bond that never breaks and that always survives through time and space. It also represents eternity and reincarnation. It was used in many Celtic weddings between lovers as a symbol of eternal love.