Experts believe that the Vikings roughly existed between the years 793 to 1066. Their chief occupations were raiding, trading, and exploring. Still, popular culture mostly depicts them as strong, fearless raiders.
This is likely why Viking symbols and imagery often show up on men’s rings. What man wouldn’t want to be associated with such masculine actions? If you want to rock men’s Viking rings, people will likely equate you to the Scandinavian warriors of old.
But there are right and wrong ways to wear men’s Viking rings. Read on to learn more about these rings and how to rock them.
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History of Men’s Viking Rings
Many men wear Viking rings because they’re proud of their Scandinavian heritage. Because their ancestors were Vikings, they likely possess the same strength and bravery in their blood. As such, they must have the tenacity to tackle any challenge.
Is that why you want to wear a Viking ring? If so, it may help you to understand why your ancestors wore jewelry. That way, you can wear your jewelry more authentically.
Rings in Battle
For the Vikings, wearing jewelry was a form of prayer. They believed that wearing jewelry with special symbols could give them great fighting power and luck. In essence, rings served as powerful guardians for the wearer.
Exactly which is providing the wearer with luck varies from ring to ring. Rings with godly symbols gave wearers protection via their patron gods. Other rings had lucky symbols which passed their innate luck powers onto the wearer.
Rings as Wealth
Jewelry was also a way for Vikings to flaunt their wealth and status. The harder the material of a ring was to come by, the more likely the wearer was rich and powerful. For example, rings made of gold or silver were more likely worn by rich and powerful Vikings.
Less rich and powerful people still had jewelry. The difference is that their jewelry was made of more common materials. These included bone, bronze, and pewter.
Things aren’t that different today. If you rock a gold or silver ring, people will still see you as a rich man. If you want to look humbler, consider a ring made of a more common metal like iron or a more natural material like bone or wood.
Significance of Viking Rings
So if you want to rock Viking jewelry like an authentic warrior, what symbols should you choose? Think about the battles that you face in day-to-day life. Then match your needs with symbols commonly sold on Viking rings for men.
Thor’s Hammer Mjolnir
If you go to this site with Viking jewelry, you’ll find several pieces depicting Thor’s hammer, Mjolnir. Most people these days know Thor as a superhero. But back then, he was the Germanic pagan god of thunder, lightning, protection of humans, and more.
Wearing a ring with Thor’s hammer will give you strength, power, and protection. Mjolnir jewelry was also often used to bless or protect people during births or weddings. So a Mjolnir ring can make an appropriate Viking engagement ring.
Odin the All-Father
Are you in a position that requires abundant wisdom? If so, you may wear a man’s Viking ring that depicts the Germanic pagan god Odin. The great wisdom associated with this god can transfer to you.
But Odin isn’t just associated with wisdom. The ancient Vikings also associated him with healing, knowledge, victory, poetry, and other things. So you can also get a boost if your job involves one of these aspects.
The Viking Ax
Vikings’ axes were used for various purposes. These range from chopping wood to cutting enemies on the battlefield. However, you’ll often also find images of Viking axes on Viking rings and necklaces.
Why is this? For the Vikings, the ax wasn’t just a useful tool. It was also a symbol of bravery, strength, and victory.
If you want to have the same in your life, wear a ring or other piece of men’s jewelry with a Viking ax.
Which Hand You Should Choose
The other aspect of wearing a men’s Viking ring has to do with which hand you use. The hand you wear a ring on can affect how people perceive you. It also has a certain symbolic significance.
The same goes for which finger you decide to put your ring on. Learn more about this in the sections below.
The Right Hand
Do you want to command more attention? If so, you may want to wear your Viking ring on your right hand.
If this is your dominant hand, people will be drawn to your ring when you make hand motions. So they will pay more attention when you are giving orders. People will also perceive you as more active and dominant.
The Left Hand
If you’re left-handed, put your ring on your left hand to appear more dominant. If you’re not, putting your ring on your left hand can make you appear more intelligent. Most people associate the left hand with intelligence.
Fingers
Unless you want to be seen as engaged or married, do not put your Viking ring on either of your ring fingers. Choose one of your other fingers instead. But keep in mind that each of these fingers has a symbolic meaning.
For example, if you want yourself to appear more powerful and authoritative, wear a Viking ring on your index finger. The index finger symbolizes these traits. Most human cultures think similarly of the thumb.
Learn More About Men’s Jewelry
No matter your reason for wearing men’s viking rings, what’s most important is that you enjoy wearing it. If you do, you’re sure to get your money’s worth by wearing your favorite Viking ring again and again.
Also, if you want to learn more about wearing men’s jewelry, read some of the other fashion articles on this site. If you’re not interested in this, we also have articles on homes, gaming, technology, and much more. Check them out!