Exploring new horizons.

The raven is perhaps the animal most associated with the Vikings. That naturally aroused our curiosity, being Black Raven Beads.

We have incorporated the rich symbolism of the Vikings, their myths, traditions and customs in our charm bead collection. Let us take you on a journey to discover new horizons.

There are many positive things to say about the Vikings. They were tough and powerful seafaring Norsemen and women and excelled at trading. With their large ships, they could also navigate shallow waters to go relatively far inland.

The religion of the Vikings has its roots in the Germanic religion. It was a religion with dozens of different gods. The most important god was Odin. He ruled the afterlife for warriors, Valhalla. The world where the gods lived is called Asgard.

In addition to their sagas, the Vikings also left their mark on various European languages, such as English and Dutch. For example, Thursday and Friday are named after the Viking gods Thor and Frigg.

Women played an important role in Viking society. They were guardians of the keys to property and wealth, especially when their men were abroad.
Symbols themselves were thought to have power. Vikings were at the mercy of the mighty seas. They were well aware of the dangers of battle.

They lived in the wind, rain, heat and cold. Through it all, they felt the hand of fate ruling all things. Divine symbols on amulets, shields or carved into their longboats could give the Vikings that slight advantage they needed to face the uncertainties and dangers of life.

Our charms are full of meaning. Examine each piece to explore!

Skoll!

From the Black Raven Team

Today's moments are tomorrow's memories.

Huginn & Muninn: thoughts and memories.

Odin always has two ravens, Huginn (thoughts) and Muninn (memories). Legend says the ravens flew across the world each day to gather news of what was happening. They told Odin the information from the nine worlds over dinner.

Along with using his birds, Odin also had a view of everything that happened in the world from his throne in Asgard. Huginn and Muninn ensured that his knowledge did not rely entirely on his perception.

The strongest hearts have the most scars.

Protection.

Vikings had different shields that were full of symbols. Symbols gave power. They were used to protect against the enemy.

Vikings also made entire shield walls to protect the group in battle. Wear this charm as your amulet to protect against heartache.

How you see yourself is how others will see you too.

Confident.

The prow of the Viking ships was often decorated with a brightly coloured snakehead or dragon and had many wood carvings on the sides. This mainly served to intimidate. The most famous ship type with such decoration was the longship.

A longship is a warship for navigating the ocean. It had a sail and oars and was manned by 70 to 80 men. These were the ships that caused panic in Western Europe.

The best vision is insight.

Intelligence, insight and wisdom.

Ravens were seen as the relatives/messengers of Odin and, therefore, perhaps one of the most important animal symbols among the Vikings. Odin was a god of war, and ravens feasting on the slain were a common sight on the battlefields of the Viking Age. However, the connection is deeper than that.

Ravens are very intelligent birds. Watch the movements of a raven's eyes and head and see that it is trying to perceive everything around you - even in your mind.

Meaning of the raven: insight, wisdom, intellect, courage, struggle and victory, and the flourishing between life and the afterlife.

The direction of life is from duality to unity.

Courage and duality.

The wolf has both a positive and a negative meaning. The wolf can represent the destructive forces of time and nature, which even the gods are no match for.

The wolf can also represent the most valued characteristics of courage, teamwork and shamanic power. The wolf can bring out the worst or the best in people.

Bravery is half the victory.

Courage.

A Viking could die in two ways. The most beautiful was death on the battlefield, after which the god Odin chose the deceased to go to the paradise of Valhalla. This was called the honourable death. A Viking could also die the straw death of old age or illness on the mattress. Thus, the Vikings believed that one could only reach Valhalla by dying in battle. This was another reason to show courage on the battlefield.

These glass beads were made by Romy, one by one. Each is unique. The special glass used gives a rough and organic appeal, just like the Vikings and the land they crossed.

Know the true importance of human connection.

Connect and create.

After the gods created humans, they made their realm called Asgard, a celestial city high above Midgard (the human world). They built the fiery rainbow bridge Bifröst to connect the two domains so they could pass between them. Asgard has several realms, Valhalla being one of them.

These glass beads were made by Romy, one by one. Each is unique. The special glass used gives a rough and organic appeal, just like the Vikings and the land they crossed.