I begin this with a disclaimer. I am aware that this is likely no more than a series of interesting coincidences. I am aware triangular symbolism is visible in the art of numerous cultures. I am aware this probably represents the Three Gargish Principles.
However I still wanted to share.
I am starting a new character. A Nordic Barbarian. What do I do when I start a character based on a particular theme of culture? I research. I don't care if I am playing a Vampire Hunter or a Samurai. I research the hell out of the mythos so I know all I can when I implement that character into the World of Ultima Online.
So in my quest to create a Norse Barbarian I decided to visit Wikipedia and look up the entries on Norse and Germanic Paganism. When I did I happened to notice a very interesting symbol on the right. Three intersecting triangles called the Valknut.
Lo and Behold. I happened to remember seeing such a symbol in the Tomb of Kings in Ter Mur.
I did a bit of research. The Valknut comes from the Old Norse valr (Slain Warriors) and knut (Knot). It is unclear what the significance of this symbol is, but as Hilda Ellis Davidson theorizes, "For instance, beside the figure of Odin on his horse shown on several memorial stones there is a kind of knot depicted, called the valknut, related to the triskele. This is thought to symbolize the power of the god to bind and unbind, mentioned in the poems and elsewhere. Odin had the power to lay bonds upon the mind, so that men became helpless in battle, and he could also loosen the tensions of fear and strain by his gifts of battle-madness, intoxication, and inspiration."
Wait. That sounds familiar. We're talking about the burial tomb of the Gargish Kings. Those of you who are familiar with the Crypt are also aware that the Silver Serpent spawns atop the 'Valknut.' What does Ultima Lore have to say about the Silver Serpent?
What do we have? Gargoyles who use Silver Serpent Venom to enter a Berserker Rage. Silver Serpent spawns on the Valknut. The Valknut is a Symbol of Odin (God of Death, Berserkers, Ritual Intoxication, etc.) and is often carved on Graves and Memorials. We have one in the Tomb of Kings.
Coincidence? Perhaps. But I thought that was interesting and wanted to share. Perhaps the Valknut in the Tomb of Kings is a reference to Norse Myth?
However I still wanted to share.
I am starting a new character. A Nordic Barbarian. What do I do when I start a character based on a particular theme of culture? I research. I don't care if I am playing a Vampire Hunter or a Samurai. I research the hell out of the mythos so I know all I can when I implement that character into the World of Ultima Online.
So in my quest to create a Norse Barbarian I decided to visit Wikipedia and look up the entries on Norse and Germanic Paganism. When I did I happened to notice a very interesting symbol on the right. Three intersecting triangles called the Valknut.
Lo and Behold. I happened to remember seeing such a symbol in the Tomb of Kings in Ter Mur.
I did a bit of research. The Valknut comes from the Old Norse valr (Slain Warriors) and knut (Knot). It is unclear what the significance of this symbol is, but as Hilda Ellis Davidson theorizes, "For instance, beside the figure of Odin on his horse shown on several memorial stones there is a kind of knot depicted, called the valknut, related to the triskele. This is thought to symbolize the power of the god to bind and unbind, mentioned in the poems and elsewhere. Odin had the power to lay bonds upon the mind, so that men became helpless in battle, and he could also loosen the tensions of fear and strain by his gifts of battle-madness, intoxication, and inspiration."
Wait. That sounds familiar. We're talking about the burial tomb of the Gargish Kings. Those of you who are familiar with the Crypt are also aware that the Silver Serpent spawns atop the 'Valknut.' What does Ultima Lore have to say about the Silver Serpent?
We're in a Tomb. Odin in Norse Myth is synonymous with Hades or Pluto as opposed to Zeus or Jupiter. He is a Death God in charge of gathering the fallen - Heroes and Warrior Kings - to create an army in preparation for the Battle of Ragnarok. (Norse Armageddon.)Codex of Editable Wisdom; Silver Serpent Venom said:
What do we have? Gargoyles who use Silver Serpent Venom to enter a Berserker Rage. Silver Serpent spawns on the Valknut. The Valknut is a Symbol of Odin (God of Death, Berserkers, Ritual Intoxication, etc.) and is often carved on Graves and Memorials. We have one in the Tomb of Kings.
Coincidence? Perhaps. But I thought that was interesting and wanted to share. Perhaps the Valknut in the Tomb of Kings is a reference to Norse Myth?
