The Vikings saw the North Star as a symbol of guidance, constancy, and direction. It remained fixed in the night sky while all other stars appeared to move around it, representing steadfastness and reliability—traits valued by seafarers and warriors alike. Just as it guided their ships safely across dark seas, it was often viewed metaphorically as a light of truth or a moral compass in life. The North Star was thought to sit near the axis of the world (Yggdrasil, the World Tree)—the cosmic center that linked the realms of gods, humans, and the afterlife.
On a practical level, the North Star was an essential navigation tool, helping Vikings maintain their course across open seas. Over time, it came to represent the spirit of exploration and discovery—the courage to venture into the unknown while trusting in one’s ability to find the way home.
