Aegishjalmur Helm of Awe

This particular Icelandic rune was used to protect warriors and to instill fear in their enemies. If you don't have any true bloodthirsty berserking warriors trying to kill you, this should work just fine on stalkers, mother-in-laws or children. Fear is the important part here. Available in multiple styles and sizes. Usually.

Aegishjalmur is one of the best-known Icelandic magical staves (galdrastafir). The galdrastafir were symbols believed to have a range of powers, whose effects would be different depending on their shape. These could offer many kinds of assistance, such as fertility, guidance through a storm, and protection in battle.

Pronounced “EYE-gis-hiowlm-er”, this particular Icelandic rune was used to protect warriors and to instill fear in their enemies. The name can be broken down into two parts: ‘ægis-’ meaning of terror/awe, and ‘-hjálmr’ meaning helm or covering.

It is comprised of eight points resembling tridents with curved prongs, all pointing outwards, and a circle in the center. It was mentioned in a collection of Old Norse poems known as the Poetic Edda, by Snorri Sturluson. In the poem, the Helm of Awe was a physical object taken from the dragon Fáfnir’s hoard. Fáfnir was once a dwarf, who turned into a dragon after becoming cursed by the treasure he guarded. He used Ægishjálmr to defend his treasure against those who would try to steal it. The hero known as Sigurd slew the dragon and took Ægishjálmr from him. The symbol was utilized in later centuries and was worn between the brows of warriors to assist them in battle. It was perceived as a charm, that once drawn over the forehead would work its magic.

This helm of awe was said to confer a kind of sphere of magical power to strike fear into the enemy. It was described as being similar to the power of serpents to paralyze their prey before striking.

In modern use it would likely be used for generally the same purpose by those who have the potential to come into physical opposition from an opponent or enemy such as athletes, security, military and law enforcement.