Anglo Saxon Symbols & Customs

Symbols

Stylised Anglo-Saxon dragon

Dragon

Associated with war & battle, often found on items such as shields (the Sutton Hoo Burial an example) mentioned often, sometimes referred to as a serpent or great serpent, in Beowulf our hero battles one who guards a horde of treasure. In Beowulf the dragon is angered by the theft of some of this horde but is slain by the hero (who is himself mortally wounded). Legend says that Vortigern (the Celtic king who recruited the Germanic mercenaries) wanted to build a stronghold to withstand the Anglo-Saxon advance. Everytime it was built it crumbled to the ground, Vortigern consulted his wise men who advised him that a fatherless child's blood needed to be sprinkled on the ground before it was built. When a child was found he surprised the wise men by telling them that beneath the foundations a cavern containing a lake existed. Here two dragons dwelt, one red (which represented the Britons) , & one white (which represented the Anglo-Saxons). When woken they began to fight, the white dragon easily defeating the red dragon (foretelling of the Anglo-Saxons victory over the Britons).

The Westbury White Horse

Horse

The horse was venerated by Germanic tribes, the names of the legendary Hengest & Horsa (leaders of the first Saxons) themselves mean Stallion & Horse. Twin horse gods under various names were worshipped thoughout the Germanic world. There are carvings on the English landscape that testify to the importance of this symbol, & is still used in heredalic imagery today (such as the coat of arms of Kent). It was important to the Celtic people as well, & they too carved it into their landscape, coins & pottery etc., the 'Westbury Horse' is probably of Anglo-Saxon origin rather than Celtic. This massive carving can be found on the hills of Bratton Down in Wiltshire, England, local legend states that Ælfred the Great ordered it's carving to celebrate his victory over the Danes. So important was the horse to an Anglo-Saxon warrior they have been found buried together, joined in the after life as they were in the mortal.

An Anglo-Saxon Boar clasp

Boar

Probably the most revered animal of the heathen Anglo-Saxons, indeed the 'bringing in of the Yule Boar' is a long lasting custom of that season (a boar's head is still paraded every 17th December at Queen's College Oxford). The placing of an apple or orange within it's mouth (how many times have you seen that in films etc?), is meant to represent the sun, linking this animal with the God 'Sun Father'. The poem 'Beowulf' tells us of warriors wearing boar crested helmets, & this is supported by plenty of archaeological evidence. The image of the boar can be found on other objects such as claps, shields etc. The boar was a symbol of war & battle as well as kings, worn as a symbol of protection, even today it is held in high regard.

Ceremonial whet stone sceptre from the Sutton Hoo Burial

Stag

A tradition amongst the Anglo-Saxons rooted in ancient times. The English custom of hoodening dates back to heathen times when, during ceremonies, the Anglo-Saxons would dress as stags & other animals. The importance of this symbol can be found in early references to it in Englisc refering to it's presence at places such as sacred groves & temples, not to mention the archaeological evidence such as the Sutton Hoo Burial. In 'Beowulf' King Hrothgar's great hall is called 'Heorot' which is said to mean Stag. The Stag was important to the heathen West Saxons, Northumbrians, East Angles, and the god Frea (Ingui). Carved pillars (ermula/Irminsul) played an essential role in the worship of Frea, the Stag being carved upon them, often with an object representing the sun in it's mouth (like the boar, a Stag's head would have an apple or orange placed in it's mouth at feasts). The Stag's head is still an important image & used in many hereldic arms today, sometimes with an object in it's mouth.

Stylised Anglo-Saxon sheild bird

Birds

The importance of the bird can be found in evidence such as the Sutton Hoo Burial, where it is found on objects such as the helmet & shield. It is belived the bird was noted for it's courage & it's symbol would help impart this quality upon the wearer. The Raven is associated with war & battle, sacred to Woden. In Englisc they are described as being wælceasig or wæcyrge, meaning chooser of the slain (a connection with the Norse Valkyrie). It would seem birds played an important role in Anglo-Saxon heathenism.

Anglo-Saxon fylfot brooch

Fylfot

A most sacred symbol of the heathen Anglo-Saxons as well as all the pre-christian peoples of Europe. It has connections to the worship of both the sun & the Thunder God Þúnor (Thor), it can be found carved on many objects & places throughout England. Seems to have strong connections to burial as is found in grave goods & on cremation urns. It can also be found engraved upon weapons as it was a symbol of the strength of Þúnor. A warrior carrying such a weapon was blessed with his protection during battle, brooches were worn to invoke his protection as well. It is a shame that it is nowadays seen only as a symbol of evil, the complete opposite of it's true meaning. Perhaps education in the old ways & beliefs will eliminate this.

Anglo-Saxon Hammer amulet

Hammer

A symbol of the God Þúnor's hammer which produced thunder & lightning. This symbol represented power & strength wearing it would give the bearer the God's protection & power, often found among grave goods.