Tabono is an Adinkra symbol that is shaped like four joined paddles or oars. Tabono, An Akan/West African/Adinkra Symbol That Represents Strength Hence, this symbol closely associated with the bird of prey is used to represent strength, bravery, and unity. For the Akan people, the strength of the eagle was concentrated in its talons. Just like in Europe and Near East, the eagle is believed to be the strongest bird in the sky by the Akans. Okodee Mmowere, Adinkra Symbol for Strength The term “okodee mmowere” is translated into English as “the talons of the eagle” and used to define the Adinkra symbol for courage and strength. The next item on our list of strength and perseverance symbols is okodee mmowere, another Adinkra symbol. The pempamsie also represents steadfastness, hardiness and readiness highlighting the importance of always being prepared for anything. This can be interpreted as a community of humans is only as strong as their weakest link. This ancient symbol resembles links of a chain and represents strength through unity. The word pempamsie can roughly be translated to English as “sew into readiness.” Pempamsie, Adinkra Symbol of Strength and Unity One of the most important symbols of the Akan people (living mostly in present-day Ghana and Ivory Coast) is the “pempamsie”. Adinkra are symbols from Ghana used to express principles, aphorisms and concepts.įrom ritual objects and architecture to daily life items like jewelry, pottery and fabrics, Adinkra symbols are used on many things and in several different ways by Ghanaian people. Let us first define what “Adinkra” means on the off chance that you have not heard about it before. Scarab Beetle, Ancient Egyptian Strength Symbol by Viktoriia Symonenko Scarab Beetle, an Ancient Egyptian Strength Symbol by Intueri on Shutterstock Pempamsie, Adinkra Symbol of Strength and Unity Golden eagles are able to hunt and kill much larger animals than themselves, including deer, sheep, and even wolves. It is not surprising that the golden eagle is a symbol of strength, considering it is a massive bird of prey that does not have any natural predators. Golden Eagles, Symbols of Strength In Near East and Europe The symbol is also used to symbolize other physical qualities like endurance, stamina and tenacity as well as virility, fertility and courage. It should be noted that, although it could be used to represent mental strength, the strength represented by uruz is more of a physical one. Uruz Rune, A Norse Viking Symbol of Strength The word ‘uruz’ is derived from ‘aurochs’, European wild oxes that have become extinct in the 17th century. The Elder Futhark rune called uruz is another symbol of strength and courage used by the Norse and Viking people. Uruz Rune, A Norse Symbol of Physical Strength, Tenacity And Courage Today, Thor’s hammer is still one of the most popular Norse and Viking symbols, commonly used on items of jewelry and clothing. Mjolnir, a Pagan Symbol by Symonenko Viktoriia Their warriors wore Mjölnir amulets or had the symbol tattooed on them to call upon the strength and protection of their mighty god, Thor, when they were fighting their enemies. In addition to that, it was one of the common protection symbols among Vikings.

Therefore, Mjölnir became a symbol of strength among Norse and Viking people. Mjolnir as A Pagan Symbol of Strength by Bourbon-88 There are a few variations of this symbol and it can be seen as three bent human legs, three running wheels or spirals. The word “triskelion” is derived from the Greek word triskeles meaning ‘three legs’. Celtic Symbols of Strength Triskelion, A Symbol of Fortitude and Strong Will Naturally, Hercules’s club had his legendary strength and was considered a strength symbol alongside the hero. Hercules’s symbol was his wooden club crafted from the Tree of Life which was said to imbue any weapons made of it with the strength that was equal to the man who wielded that weapon. The demigod was known for his superhuman strength, which was a legacy of Zeus, his father, and the king of Olympus. The Club of HerculesĪlthough most Greek and Roman gods were known to use bows, arrows and spears, this was not the case with the legendary hero Hercules. Similarly, Native American tribes held similar associations with this majestic animal. In earlier Chinese lore, the horse’s strength was believed to be even more potent than a dragon’s. In China, the horse is the most ubiquitous symbolic animal after the dragon and represents male strength, perseverance, youthful energy, and speed.

Horses, A Symbol of Strength by Lorri Kajenna

Chinese symbol for female courage