Vegvísir (wrongly called "Viking Compass")
Jackson Crawford・10 minutes read
Jackson Crawford educates online audiences about Norse language, myth, and culture on Patreon. He clarifies the distinction between runes and sigils like Vegvísir, cautioning against attributing magical significance to symbols without historical context.
Insights
- Crawford distinguishes between runes and sigils, noting that while runes have linguistic significance, sigils are visual symbols without linguistic meaning, possibly influenced by Christian magic.
- Historical context is crucial when attributing symbols like Ís Jálmer and Vegvísir to the Viking Age, as Crawford emphasizes the necessity of concrete evidence over assumptions of magical significance, advocating for a nuanced understanding of Norse symbols.
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Recent questions
What does Jackson Crawford educate online audiences on?
Norse language, myth, culture, and runes
What is the symbol Ies Jalmer and its significance?
A sigil, not a rune, with misconceptions clarified
What is the origin of the symbol Vegvísir?
Originated from a manuscript in Iceland in 1860
What is the distinction between runes and sigils?
Runes represent sounds, sigils are visual symbols without linguistic meaning
How does Jackson Crawford approach attributing symbols to the Viking Age?
Emphasizes historical context and cautions against assuming magical significance without evidence