Furthermore, the triquetra seen here could actually BE a valknut, just a stylised unicursal version, considering its context associated with the Norse gods. The three in the lower register therefore may be the three mentioned in the inscription, and considering the objects they hold (spear, mace, and sickle, objects representing authority, justice, and fertility), they may be the three priests of Odin, Thor, and Freyer, or they may be three men holding offices within the Swedish state. The runestone has also been interpreted to represent the trinity of Odin, Thor, and Freyr, who may actually be the three figures at the top, associated with the triquetra (1). The runic inscription states, ‘Hróðvisl and Farbjôrn and Gunnbjôrn’, in short-twig, younger futhark runes. There are arguments on whether or not these three names relate to the first three figures in the top panel, or the three in the main panel below them. On this stone, the triquetra can be seen to the right of the three figures at top.

This runestone was originally found at a church. 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.

Unicursal valknut