Valknut

Other names:

Origin:

Uses:

Neo-pagans, usually supporters of the Scandinavian pantheon, frequently use the valknut as a symbol of Scandinavian culture without any radical right-wing connotations. It is also used as a Scandinavian-style decoration and as an emblem of various organizations.

Use as a hate symbol:

Since the second half of the twentieth century, white racists (often the supporters of racist, neo-pagan cults) have used the valknut as a symbol of both their connection to the “ancient Scandinavians” and their willingness to die for the god Odin and the "northern, or Nordic, race."

The valknut is sometimes used in place of a swastika because it is visually similar to the swastika and its use is more socially acceptable, especially in jurisdictions where the display of the swastika is prohibited.

In Ukraine, it is used occasionally to demonstrate racist views, most often without any affiliation to a specific organization or structure.

Due to its popularity, it may be used mistakenly. To determine if a valknut is being used as a hate symbol, it is important to examine the context in which it appears and to check for the presence of other hate symbols.