Introduction: The Mystery of Viking Flags

The Viking Age (793–1066 CE) was a period of exploration, conquest, and battle, where Norse warriors sailed across Europe, leaving a lasting impact on history. Unlike modern national flags, Vikings used banners and standards, often carried into battle to signify leadership, magic, and divine favor. The most well-documented Viking flag was the Raven Banner (hrafnsmerki). This article goes over the most famous flags we hear of from the written sources and archeological finds.

Did the Vikings Have Flags?

The Vikings did not use flags in the modern sense, but they did carry banners and war standards. These banners, often triangular, were attached to poles or spears and displayed prominently in battle. The Anglo-Saxon Chronicle records instances of Viking war banners being captured by the English, proving their importance in military strategy and morale.

"A.D. 878.  This year about mid-winter, after twelfth-night, the Danish army stole out to Chippenham, and rode over the land of the West-Saxons; where they settled, and drove many of the peopleover sea; and of the rest the greatest part they rode down, and subdued to their will;--ALL BUT ALFRED THE KING.  He, with alittle band, uneasily sought the woods and fastnesses of the moors.  And in the winter of this same year the brother of
Ingwar and Healfden landed in Wessex, in Devonshire, with three and twenty ships, and there was he slain, and eight hundred men with him, and forty of his army.  There also was taken the war-flag, which they called the RAVEN."

-Anglo Saxon Chronicle

Unlike the modern Scandinavian flags of Norway, Sweden, and Denmark, Viking banners were personal or clan-based symbols rather than representations of a unified nation. Leaders such as Cnut the Great, Sigurd the Stout, and Harald Hardrada carried banners that reflected their divine favor, battlefield success, and political legitimacy.

The Raven Flag: Symbol of the Viking Age

The Raven Banner (hrafnsmerki) was the most famous Viking flag, frequently described in Norse sagas, English chronicles, and medieval annals. This flag, depicting a raven in flight, was believed to be a direct link to Odin, the Norse god of war and wisdom.

According to the Annals of St Neots, the Raven Banner was woven in a single day by the daughters of Ragnar Loðbrok, a legendary Viking hero. It was said that when the raven’s wings flapped in the wind, victory was assured; if the banner hung limp, defeat was imminent.

Sigurd the Stout, Jarl of Orkney, famously carried a Raven Banner made by his völva (seeress) mother. The Orkneyinga Saga describes how the banner brought victory to its bearers but doomed those who carried it, as each standard-bearer perished in battle. Sigurd himself fell at the Battle of Clontarf in 1014 CE, where the banner was last seen.

"His raven-banner, which was borne before him, was fulfilling the destiny announced by Audna, when she gave it to him at Skida Myre, that it would always bring victory to those before whom it was borne, but death to him who bore it. Twice had the banner-bearer fallen, and Earl Sigurd called on Thorstein, son of Hall of the Side, next to bear the banner. Thorstein was about to lift it, when Asmund the White called out, “Don’t bear the banner, for all they who bear it get their death.” “Hrafn the Red!” cried Earl Sigurd, “bear thou the banner.” “Bear thine own devil thyself,” said Hrafn.[29] Then said the earl, “’Tis fittest that the beggar should bear the bag,” and with that he took up the banner, and was immediately pierced through with a spear. Then flight broke out through all the host."

-Orkneyinga Saga

Another famous use of the Raven Banner was by Cnut the Great, King of England and Denmark. The Encomium Emmae Reginae, a contemporary account of Cnut’s reign, records that his army rallied under a raven flag at the Battle of Ashington (1016 CE), demonstrating its enduring significance in Viking warfare.

The flag of Knut the Great was said to have a raven secretly woven into it. And if you were able to see the raven silhouette in the flag, factory would be achieved in battle.

Our raven flag [for sale here] is based on this flag of the Great king Knut. Can you see the victory raven?

Meaning and Symbolism of the Viking Raven Flag

The raven was a deeply symbolic creature in Norse mythology, associated with Odin’s two ravens, Huginn (Thought) and Muninn (Memory). These birds traveled the world, gathering knowledge and whispering secrets to Odin. Carrying a raven banner into battle was seen as a sign that Odin himself watched over the warriors, granting strength, protection, and insight into fate.

In Viking society, banners were more than just military insignia; they represented the divine favor of the gods and the fate of the battle itself. Many accounts suggest that Odin’s blessing through the Raven Banner could turn the tide of war, reinforcing its mystical reputation.

One of the only pieces of archeological evidence that shows the use of a viking flag is the Baxeux Tapestry. This incredible work of woven art depicts the Norman invasion of England in 1066 marking the end of the viking age. The Normans were vikings who had settled in the North of France and came to conquer England. This raven banner shows to be used by the Normans 150 years after the pagan Norse had settled and assimilated in Christian France.

Our flag [for sale here] is a replica of what the Norman flag would have looked like.

Viking Ship Flags and Symbols

Viking longships, known for their speed and agility, were sometimes adorned with banners or personal symbols. Though no direct evidence of Viking naval flags exists, sagas suggest that leaders may have marked their ships with banners to signify their clan, allegiance, or battle intentions.

The Heimskringla, written by Snorri Sturluson, describes Harald Hardrada’s Landøyðan (“Land-waster”) banner, which led his forces into England during his ill-fated invasion in 1066 CE. Though not explicitly a raven flag, it shared the same prophetic qualities, reinforcing the belief that banners held supernatural power over battles.

How Viking Flags Influence Modern Scandinavian Flags

While the Viking Age banners were personal and war-related, their influence is still visible in modern Scandinavian flags. The Nordic Cross, seen in the flags of Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Iceland, and Finland, is believed to have roots in medieval Viking heraldry. Though Christian rulers later adopted the cross as a national emblem, Viking seafarers and warriors were among the first to use bold, symbolic banners.

Today, recreated Viking flags are flown at reenactments, Norse festivals, and historical events, serving as a connection to Viking heritage. The Viking raven flag, in particular, is widely used by Norse cultural groups, tattoo enthusiasts, and modern Heathen communities as a symbol of warrior strength, Odin’s wisdom, and Norse ancestry.

Viking Flags in Pop Culture and Modern Usage

The raven flag Viking banner has become an iconic symbol in movies, TV series, and video games. Shows like Vikings and Assassin’s Creed: Valhalla have popularized Viking banners, using historically inspired designs to bring Norse warriors to life.

Beyond entertainment, Viking flags are commonly used in:

Historical reenactments and Norse festivals
Tattoo art and jewelry designs
Decorative banners for homes, Viking-themed businesses, and metal bands
The enduring appeal of Viking flags proves that these banners remain powerful symbols of history, mythology, and warrior culture.

 

To see our full collection of Viking flags, [see here]

 

If you are looking for a sword to go along with it or an authentic spear to hang your banner from, [see our replica weapons collection here]