Vegvísir: Difference between revisions
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==History== |
==History== |
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The symbol is attested in 3 manuscripts, the most noted being the |
The symbol is attested in 3 manuscripts, the most noted being the Huld Manuscript, created by Geir Vigfusson in 1860 (but copied from material of earlier origin). |
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A leaf of the Huld manuscript gives its name, provides two drawn versions of the Vegvísir symbol, and adds "Carry this sign with you and you won’t get lost in |
A leaf of the Huld manuscript gives its name, provides two drawn versions of the Vegvísir symbol, and adds "Carry this sign with you and you won’t get lost in |
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storms or bad weather, even though in unfamiliar surrounds".<ref>Foster (2015).</ref> |
storms or bad weather, even though in unfamiliar surrounds".<ref>Foster (2015).</ref> |
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Recent research has uncovered another manuscript within the archives of The National Museum of Iceland which may prove to be closer to how the original Vegvísir appeared. This manuscript with a shelf index of Lbs 2917 a 4to<ref>[http://handrit.is/en/manuscript/view/is/Lbs04-2917a Lbs 2917 a 4to] at The National Museum of Iceland</ref> is only a few years different than the Huld Ms and shows many of the same details and explanations however with significant differences. It also shows the second symbol thought to be another Vegvísir, based on how it is shown in Huld, as separate and having no title or description.<ref>Justin Foster (2016).</ref> |
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==In culture== |
==In culture== |
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Revision as of 01:06, 25 May 2016
A Vegvísir (Icelandic 'sign post') is an Icelandic magical stave intended to help the bearer find their way through rough weather.
History
The symbol is attested in 3 manuscripts, the most noted being the Huld Manuscript, created by Geir Vigfusson in 1860 (but copied from material of earlier origin).
A leaf of the Huld manuscript gives its name, provides two drawn versions of the Vegvísir symbol, and adds "Carry this sign with you and you won’t get lost in storms or bad weather, even though in unfamiliar surrounds".[1]
Recent research has uncovered another manuscript within the archives of The National Museum of Iceland which may prove to be closer to how the original Vegvísir appeared. This manuscript with a shelf index of Lbs 2917 a 4to[2] is only a few years different than the Huld Ms and shows many of the same details and explanations however with significant differences. It also shows the second symbol thought to be another Vegvísir, based on how it is shown in Huld, as separate and having no title or description.[3]
In culture
A simplified version of the 'Vegvísir' has seen use as a tattoo, most notably by the Icelandic singer-songwriter Björk.
A stylized version of the 'Vegvísir' is used in pages of the Oghma Infinium in the video game Skyrim.
In Vikings (tv-series), the symbol is carried by Harald Hairfair and his men.
Notes
- ^ Foster (2015).
- ^ Lbs 2917 a 4to at The National Museum of Iceland
- ^ Justin Foster (2016).