Adult T-shirt, Thunder Magic Symbol. This design by the Icelandic astist Nina Bjork Bjarkardottir is a contemporary interpretation of the magic symbol Þundur (Thundur). The symbol Þundur is one of six magic staves recorded by Jón Árnason in his book, Icelandic Folktales and Legends, first published in 1863-1864. The name Þundur is one of many nicknames given to the heathen god Óðinn (Odinn). The staves are thought to be derived from the Runic writing system used by the ancient Germanic peoples. Odinn was probably seen as the most influential pagan god and his name appears in many old manuscripts and other sources such as the Galdrabók (The Icelandic Book of Magic). His mighty power was called upon for example in exposing thieves, casting love spells and allying anger. 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 by the incantation of the names of the ancient gods along with etching of the rune/symbol, usually into wood, and was also sometimes accompanied by the burning of an herb or application of some other animal/vegetable substance. 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: $31.01 Qty

enlarge image