During the ninth, tenth, and eleventh centuries, various Viking chieftains and Scandinavian rulers used the raven banner as a ceremonial flag. The flag was roughly triangular in Norse artwork, with rounded corners and tassels hanging from each end. It looked similar to the ornately carved “weather-vanes” on Viking longships.
Considered the symbol of Odin, the Viking flag was used to intimidate enemies or to indicate that the dead were given to Odin.
Ravens played a significant role in the Viking age. They were painted on Viking flags as they were believed to bring them good fortune. There was even a belief among the Vikings that the Ravens gave their banners some magical powers.
Therefore, they used them to strike fear into the hearts of their enemies by summoning the power of Odin. Due to Ravens’ connection to Heathen, the God of war, the raven banner was also used as a war flag.
Due to the conflict between Christians and heathens, Christians believed the symbols on these banners were evil and pagan. Therefore, the Raven and its symbols are likely associated with Odin, who is occasionally known as the Raven God.
Due to his shapeshifting abilities and his desire to wander about Midgard in disguise, Odin is known by the name “shapeshifter” as well. He is undoubtedly a curious God who constantly tries to gain new knowledge. Every morning, he uses his two ravens to gather news from across all nine worlds.
Symbolically, ravens are associated with affection, healing, wisdom, death, fertility, and longevity. Their black color represents the color of night, the void, and the Earth itself. Some believe the Raven was born out of darkness, while others believe it brought light to the world.
Odin used ravens as his eyes and ears in Midgard (aka. Earth) to stay updated at all times. Ravens appear in Vikings as a symbol of Odin’s presence in Midgard and his constant monitoring of Ragnar and the Vikings.
While no flag has survived time, some clothing remains have been found from sunken ships, which is curious in a way. There is no doubt that the Viking flag was of utmost importance to kings and earls that they wanted to be buried with it.
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Hopefully, this article has given you a brief idea about the importance of ravens and the raven flag in the Viking age.
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