Icelandic magical staves

Icelandic magical staves (sigils) are symbols credited with magical effect preserved in various grimoires dating from the 17th century and later. According to the Museum of Icelandic Sorcery and Witchcraft, the effects credited to most of the staves were very relevant to the average Icelanders of the time, who were mostly subsistence farmers and had to deal with harsh climatic conditions.

Table of magical staves

NameDescriptionImageAð fá stúlkuTo get a girl.ÆgishjálmurHelm of awe; to induce fear and to protect against abuse of power.AngurgapiCarved on the ends of barrels. Purpose unclear.BrýnslustafirFor use on whetstones.DraumstafirTo dream what your heart desires.DreprúnTo kill an enemy’s cattle.^[2]FeingurA fertility rune.GapaldurTwo staves, kept in the shoes, gapaldur under the heel of the right foot and ginfaxi under the toes of the left foot, to magically ensure victory in bouts of Icelandic wrestling (glíma).GinfaxiHólastafurTo open hills.KaupalokiTo prosper in trade and business (19th century manuscript).LásabrjóturTo open a lock without a key.MáladeilanTo win in court.^[3]NábrókarstafurNecropants, a pair of pants made from the skin of a dead man that are capable of producing an endless supply of money.^[4]ÓttastafurTo induce fear.Rosahringur minniA lesser circle of protection.SmjörhnúturButterknot, to ensure butter was procured through non-magical means.Stafur gegn galdriStaves against witchcraft.^[5]Stafur til að vekja upp draugTo invoke ghosts and evil spirits.ÞjófastafurFor use against thieves.^[6]TóustefnaTo ward off foxes.^[7]Varnarstafur ValdemarsValdemar’s Protection Stave; increases favor and happiness.VatnahlífirProtection against drowning.VegvísirTo guide people through rough weather.VeiðistafurFor luck in fishing.

Diana Paxson - Seidr. An attempt at reconstruction