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By William Van Zyl (Published in October 2023)

‘Call me Agnarok’.

Let me tell you about that fateful day in the Winter of 1016.

A primal tempest, a symphony of chaos, bellowed its fury upon the Viking longship, an ageing behemoth defiantly marked by the snarling dragon carved upon its bow. In their unrestrained wrath, the heavens flung bolts of lightning that violently shattered the abyss beneath, revealing a sea possessed by a maddened tumult. The ocean was fuming; it’s mouth frothing.

Thunder rolls, lightning strikes, and the hammer flies across the sky. Somewhere on the violently unsteady ship a Viking called to Thor.

‘Thor, the god of weather and storms, the one who controls rain and strong currents, I come to you for strength. You’re so powerful that your steps can break a bridge, and your tree is the mighty oak. Please grant us enduring strength so that we won’t break under the blows of misfortune. Protect us from being crushed by those stronger than us. You, who guards the common people, sailors, farmers, and workers, look upon us on this ship where I am. I’m just one of many, so please protect all of us. Make us strong and resilient like your own arm, unbreakable like the Friend of Man. We ask for the vigor from your right arm, so we can face the storm and stay strong in the winds.

Thor, command the storm to calm down. Save us from destruction. Take us safely back to our families. Please, put an end to this powerful tempest.’

The storm continued – relentlessly. Rain cascaded in merciless torrents, a lash wielded by a vengeful god, while the winds, a ghostly chorus, wove a haunting dirge through the tortured rigging. The crew’s faces were etched not just with determination but also with the stark realisation of their mortal dance with the storm, adorned in armour weathered by countless tempests, battled not just the roiling waves but the very essence of nature’s wrath. Each thunderous clash of elements bore witness to their unyielding resolve, for in the heart of this elemental maelstrom, they sought not just uncharted lands but the very limits of their indomitable spirit.

‘We are going to die!’ sighed Ragnar.

‘The talisman! Bring the Vegvisir! shouted Harald.

Ragnar ran a slippery zig-zag through the whipping rain to get the inscribed flat stone; holding on to the ropes and balusters. If he loses his footing, he will be swept off the ship.

He returns with the precious vegvisir and places it in the opening on the deck – especially chiseled for the runic compass.

Suddenly, the storm started to relent. The sea became calmer.

A typical vegvisir, The Symbol of Guidance and Protection. This Viking Compass/Runic Compass is engraved on a beautiful Black Obsidian bevel edge mirror. The Vegvisir, also known as the runic compass or the Viking compass/Nordic compass made of eight Viking rune staves, is a symbol of protection and guidance believed to be used as a compass by Vikings. The word vegvisir means ‘wayfinder’ and ‘sign post’ in Icelandic language. Credit Etsy. https://www.etsy.com/sg-en/listing/715321521/large-wayfinder-vegvisir-symbol-of

Draken Harald Hårfagre is a Dragonship. The Viking longships owned by kings and chieftains often had a head from a mythological animal in the bow, it offered protection from sea monsters and men, bad weather and raids along the voyages. The head was, besides having the magical function of protection, a sign of wealth and strength, and the more decorated and spectacular the head, the more powerful the owner. Traditionally it was not mounted until just before departure and was not supposed to be mounted in waters near home in fear of scaring of the friendly magical creatures on land.

Credit: https://www.drakenhh.com/news-1/2017/7/8/the-secret-of-the-dragons-head

I have included the dramatic introduction to set the scene of a Viking ship in a tumultuous storm. The Vikings seafarers, desperate to survive the elements.

Did you recognise the similarity to the opening line of Herman Melville’s famous novel Moby Dick?

‘Call me Ishmael.’ (Moby Dick)

The context of this article is the World of Vikings and navigation in life. Lets look at the vegvisir in more detail.

Table of Contents

A true story:

A work colleague of mine – who became a good friend over 2 years – was farewelled the other day (2023). He had recently tattooed a Norse name around his left forearm. Yes, you have guessed it: the Norse had an alphabet. This friend, let me call him Agnarok, has a passion for all things Viking and Norse. I made him a farewell card with a drawing of Runic Compass on the front and a couple of special words on the inside. Here are some of the words from the card.

In Norwegian:

Vi ønsker deg alt godt for fremtiden. *(godt = well)

In English:

We wish you all the very best for the future.

The Runic Alphabet (Viking Alphabet). Credit: https://wiki.ultimacodex.com/wiki/Runic_alphabet

Let’s have a closer look at the Runic Compass.

Introduction to the Viking Compass

In the annals of maritime history, the Vikings stand out as fearless seafarers who navigated treacherous waters with unmatched skill and courage. At the heart of their navigational prowess was the Runic Compass, also known as the ‘Viking Compass.’ This ancient tool imbued with mystical significance, played a crucial role in guiding Norse sailors through the tumultuous storms of the open sea.

The Vegvisir (Viking Compass): The device was believed to show the way back home and protect seamen and their ships from storms. The Vegvisir was like a guide helping its bearer to find his way home. Norse people believed that the Vegvisir had special powers, and it was treated like a talisman – an inscribed ring or stone – for protection and blessings. This powerful symbol could help a person to find the right way in storms or bad weather, whatever unfamiliar surroundings he or she may encounter.

The Runic Compass at Sea

The Runic Compass, often symbolised by the Vegvísir, a runic stave, was believed to possess magical properties that could aid sailors in finding their way even when surrounded by the chaos of a storm. The word “Vegvísir” translates to “guidepost” or “direction sign,” and it epitomises the purpose of this mystical compass – to lead the way through uncharted waters.

Viking sailors, renowned for their maritime exploits, heavily relied on the Runic Compass during their daring voyages. The compass, typically etched onto a circular object such as a stone or ring, was a spiritual guide that invoked divine protection and ensured a safe passage through the unpredictable seas.

Navigating by the Stars and the Runic Compass

Viking navigators were known for their adept use of celestial navigation, and the Runic Compass seamlessly integrated into their navigational toolkit. As the sun dipped below the horizon and the stars emerged, sailors would consult the runic symbols etched on the compass to align their vessels with the desired course. The combination of traditional celestial navigation and the mystical guidance of the Runic Compass made the Vikings unparalleled masters of the open sea.

Survival Tale: Guided by the Runic Compass

One gripping tale of survival involving the Runic Compass comes from the sagas of ancient Norse lore. Legend has it that a Viking crew, battered by a furious storm, found themselves disoriented and on the verge of despair. In their darkest hour, a wise elder produced a Runic Compass, its runic stave glowing faintly in the gloom of the tempest.

As the crew followed the guidance of the Runic Compass, the storm’s fury seemed to abate, and the stars above aligned to illuminate their path. The crew, buoyed by newfound hope, navigated through the tumultuous waves with renewed determination. The Runic Compass, regarded as a talisman of protection, not only guided them to safety but also became a symbol of resilience in the face of adversity.

More about the Runic Compass

Archaeological discoveries show that Vikings used a unique compass called a ‘sunstone’ as they sailed from North America to the Far East. Although this compass doesn’t look like the Vegvisir or have its markings, some experts think it inspired the symbol.

The Vegvisir has eight Icelandic rune staves, which could represent the principal directions (North, South, West, East) and in-between directions (Northwest, Northeast, Southwest, Southeast).

Some believe that if you place a nail in the middle of the Vegvisir, its shadow at certain times of the day could tell you directions and help Vikings navigate the seas.

Legends say that drawing the Vegvisir on Icelandic ships helped sailors safely find their way home.

Today, the Vegvisir symbolises Icelandic culture, and people of the Asatru faith use it to identify themselves and as a symbol of spiritual guidance.

Conclusion

With its enigmatic blend of Norse mysticism and practical navigation, the Runic Compass is a testament to the Viking spirit of exploration and survival. In the vastness of the open sea, where storms could easily spell doom, the Runic Compass served as a mystical beacon, guiding sailors through the darkness and ensuring their safe passage to distant shores. In the echo of the wind and the lapping of the waves, the legacy of the Runic Compass lives on as a symbol of the indomitable spirit of Viking seafaring.

If you have enjoyed this article you could be interested in the follow up article.