Adult T-shirt, Helm of Awe Magic Symbol This design by the Icelandic astist Nina Bjork Bjarkardottir is a contemporary interpretation of the magic symbol Ægishjalmur - Helm of Awe. The name Ægishjalmur literally translates as "helm of awe", but the symbol is thought to be derived from the Runic writing system used by the ancient Germanic peoples. Originally the name meant a kind of covering that surrounds and enables its wearer to terrify and subdue his enemies. Graphic signs or staves were just one of the tools used to do the bidding of the magician. The symbol itself had little power of its own - only in conjunction with the powerful knowledge of the magic scholars were the symbols actually "activated". This was done in part by the incantation of the names of the ancient gods along with the etching of the rune/symbols, usually into wood, and sometimes accompanied by the burning of an herb or application of some other animal/vegetable substance. The "helm of awe" symbol is written about in, amongst other books, the Poetic Eddas and the Galdrabók (The Icelandic Book of Magic). These manuscripts were written during the golden age of the Icelandic literature i.e. 1000-1400; the stories etc often reflecting the practices and beliefs of the Viking Age (800-1000), and even earlier times. Until the Reformation, the "heathen" gods and Christianity were uniquely fused in the minds of many Icelanders - even though Iceland had officially accepted Christianity as its national religion in the year 1000. It was not until well into the 16th century that influences from Scandinavia and Europe truly had an effect on the Icelanders - eventually eroding away the old beliefs.

Our Price: $31.42 Qty

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