Huginn and Muninn: Odin’s Ravens in Norse Mythology
Huginn and Muninn, Odin’s ravens, helped the chief Norse god keep an eye on his kingdoms and were important symbols in Viking myth and art.
Valknut Symbol and Its Meaning in Norse Mythology
A mysterious symbol made up of three interlocking triangles, the valknut has sparked debate for decades. So what does it mean?
Helm of Awe Symbol’s Meaning and History Explained
The Helm of Awe has had a long and wild history, from the Viking Age all the way to modern times. Let’s check it out!
Famous Viking Symbols and Their Meanings: By Thor’s Hammer!
When it comes to Viking symbols, the one the modern world knows best is the bluetooth symbol (which actually is a combination of medieval Norse runes!). But there’s so many more significant Norse symbols from history that can tell us a lot about Viking history, religion, and culture. From stories about the gods to the…
The Many Roles of Aztec Women in Society
For modern readers, it’s difficult to imagine a pre-modern society where women were not subordinated by men. This stems largely from how dominant European history has become as a means of explaining world history. But, Aztec women had a much different role in their society than we typically realize or acknowledge. While they did have…
Aztec Feathers and Feather Art: Flying High With the Amanteca
In Aztec society, feathers were important symbols of fertility, wealth, power, and abundance, and gave the person wearing them a connection to the divine. In fact, feathers were considered more valuable than jade or turquoise! To truly understand Aztec art and culture, therefore, we have to understand Aztec feather work. How Feathers Were Used in…
Aztec Statues and Sculpture: Carving Out Mexica Art
Aztec sculptures and statues are some of the most beautiful examples of Aztec art that have survived to the present day. They give us wonderful insight into this civilization’s religious beliefs, the skill of their artists, and their place in Mesoamerican history. Inheriting a Long Mesoamerican Tradition Mesoamerican civilization and its traditions stretch back thousands…
Aztec Architecture: Building the World of the Mexica
The Aztecs, or Mexica as they called themselves, were master builders; and Aztec architecture puts this on full display. From jaw-dropping pyramids to life-giving aqueducts, the Aztecs had serious chops. Though many Aztec architectural sites were destroyed by Spanish conquistadors in the wake of the Spanish-Aztec War, we still have ruins and textual evidence that…
Macuahuitl: The Wooden Sword of Aztec Warriors
The macuahuitl was a powerful Aztec weapon that (kind of) resembled a wooden sword. Learn how they were used, made, and more!
Aztec Weapons: The Tools of the Trade for an Aztec Warrior
Let’s explore the dangerous Aztec weapons that helped to make their military such a force to be reckoned with.