Meaning: War, Justice.
Symbolises: Victory, Honour (Safest
portal to the underworld)
Mythology: Tyr, the one handed god.
Fylgja: Dog
Class: Herse
Tree: Linden
Plant: Comfery
Day: Tuesday
Old Norwegian Rune Rhyme:
Tyr is the one handed among the Aesir;
The smith has to blow often.
Tyr is the symbol of the warrior, the
brave, courageous. The main story about him
is how he lost his hand. Tyr was the only
one who was brave enough to approach the
Fenris Wolf, Loki's child with the giantess
Angraboda. When the wolf became to dangerous
to leave free the Aesir tried to bind the
wolf. They tried all manner of chains and
ropes but nothing could hold the wolf. They
then asked the dwarves to fashion a magical
rope to hold him, however sensing a trick
the wolf would not let himself be bound
unless one of the gods put his hand in his
mouth. Tyr was the only one brave enough to
do so and as the wolf was bound and was
unable to break free he bit off Tyr's right
hand, a warrior's greatest asset. As a
result of this Tyr fell at the day of
Ragnarock unable to defend himself fully.
Tyr suggests determination and rigidity that
can go too far. Tyr gives the warning that a
little forethought, flexibility, and a
healthy cowardice should be applied. Tyr
also suggests that a victory will be
achieved if the cause is just and there is
sufficient courage and willingness to
sacrifice. Tyr is also the symbol of male
energy, the male creative force, as used in
the classic modern symbol for the masculine.
The Tyr principle can be quite ruthless yet
is never cowardly or dishonest. Tyr is a
very positive symbol of all that is good,
honest, just, and brave but also of self
sacrifice that sometimes goes along with
doing the right thing. |
