Adaptation B: Symbol Meanings

Symbols and meanings on the shields:

Sheild Knot

The celtic knot seen on alot of shields is to do with protection from evil spirits, said here;
"Later, the four-corners emblem was used in the Kabbalah as a symbol of the Shema, the prayer/spell to invoke the four Archangels; it is the origin of the “Qabbalistic Cross” ritual still used in magic today.... Used for the same purposes, protection."

 Hugin and Muffin




This was one of the symbols on the shields, they are twin ravens of Norse mythology. According to the legend they are sent out each morning and report back to Odin each evening on the reports of the happenings of the world.

Another Norse symbol that interested me was Yggdrasil.


"Yggdrasil - In Norse mythology, Yggdrasil is an immense tree that is central in Norse cosmology; the world tree, and around the tree existed nine worlds. It is generally considered to mean "Ygg's (Odin's) horse". Yggdrasil is an immense ash tree that is central and considered very holy."

After not a lot of luck of finding out what the meanings on the shields were for the old viking shields I have decided to look at old heraldry symbols and old war family crest plates and see what there symbols were on their shields and apply this to the Norse ones.

Sheild Colour:
-Blue - Strength and Loyalty
-Red - Eagerness to serve his country. Warrior & martyr
White - Wisdom, peace and joy
Black - Grief and resistance

Symbols on shields

Antler - Strength and fortitude.
Bird - provide peace and affection for the home and family
Dog - courage vigilance and fidelity.
Dolphin - swiftness, diligence charity and love
Dragon - guardian of treasures. Bravest of all with a sharp eye.
Eagle - man of action, high intellect, ingenuity, repartee and quick comprehension. Salvation, redemption and resurrection.
Two headed eagle - protector, together of two forces.
Falcon/Hawk - eager in pursuit of an object not dormant until the goal is achieved.
feathers - meaning willing obedience and serenity of mind.
fish - bravery and steadfastness, generous spirit.
Goat - practical wisdom and someone who wins through diplomacy rather than war.
Lion- undying courage, valiant warrior.
Raven - knowledge, divine providence, nature the bringer of death.

Here are some celtic translations of animals symbols too:
-Dog - Meaning loyalty, harbinger of good health, symbolizes the strong bond of companionship felt between human and animal.
-Eagle - maturity and growth.
-Crow/raven - individuality and disregard to what others think. Crows carry big secrets and the Celts used to lead their way.
Wolf - fearless, brave and rarely comprimise. hero's in battle. honorable and they thrive on challenge.