The Helm Of Awe – Powerful Viking Symbol For Physical, Mental And Spiritual Protection
A. Sutherland - AncientPages.com - The Helm of Awe is one of the most powerful protective Viking symbols used not only for the purpose of protection from disease, but even to encourage all people who might suffer from depression or anxiety.
In Norse myths it is said that the Helm of Awe symbol was worn between the eyes to cause fear in your enemies, and to protect against the abuse of power.
The Norse word for this very important symbol (Ægishjálmr or Aegishjalmur) is translated in English "helm of awe" or "helm of terror." The meaning of the name awe is to strike with fear and reverence; to influence by fear, terror or respect; as, his majesty awed them into silence.
The name ‘Aegishjalmur’ is derived from Aegir (Ægir in Old Norse "sea"), the god of the ocean of Jotunheim, the land of the frost giants and one of the nine realms of the ash tree, Yggdrasil.
In the Poetic Edda, the Helm of Awe is mentioned when the shape-shifting dragon, Fafnir, claims to possess the power of invincibility that originates from the mysterious Helm of Awe symbol:
The Helm of Awe
I wore before the sons of men
In defense of my treasure;
Amongst all, I alone was strong,
I thought to myself,
For I found no power a match for my own.
In Poeticl Edda, it is referred to as the helmet of a horror, but it does not have a form of helmet at all. The symbol rather invokes the ultimate protection of the wearer of this symbol, when it is inscribed on his/her forehead.
Cursed Dwarf Fafnir Turned Into A Fearsome Norse Dragon And Guarded The Stolen Magical Ring Andvaranaut - Read more
The symbol is also mentioned in Völsunga Saga and the poem “Fáfnismál”, an Eddic poem, found in the Codex Regius manuscript.
According to ancient beliefs, the Helm of Awe does not only gives physical protection but also spiritual and mental strength to conquer one’s own fear. Then, it’s time to cause fear in the hearts of enemies who threaten the wearer of the Helm of Awe.
The symbol also helps to control and guards a person person against abuse of his own power.
The power of the Helm of Awe was believed to have been most efficient when the symbol was inscribed (also on the inside of the helmet) with either blood or the wearer's spit.
See also:
The Realms Of Jötunheimr – The Home Of The Fearful Giants In Norse Mythology
Troll Cross – Protection Symbol Believed To Ward Off Evil Powers
Vegvisir – Very Old And Sacred Norse Symbol Of Protection And Guidance
Famous Viking Sigurd Snake-In-The-Eye, Son Of Ragnar Lodbrok And The Mark Of Fafnir Prophecy
In the Viking Age, warriors would wear the symbol between their eyebrows as a sign of strength in battle, believing, like the dragon Fafnir, we mentioned earlier, that it would grant them victory in battle.
It was believed that the circle in the center of the symbol would symbolize the protection of those bearing the Helm of Awe.
Some believed that the center circle in the symbol would represent one's soul. if you are interested in Viking symbols, here are: 10 Viking And Norse Symbols Explained
Written by – A. Sutherland AncientPages.com Staff Writer
Copyright © AncientPages.com All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or part without the express written permission of AncientPages.com
Expand for referencesReferences:
Flowers S. The Galdrabók
heimskringla.no/Fáfnismál
Ney A. Bland ormar och drakar
More From Ancient Pages
-
Mysterious Golden Lords Of Panama
Artifacts | Aug 23, 2018 -
Uncovering The Lost Indigenous Settlement Of Sarabay, Florida
Archaeology | Jun 9, 2021 -
Advanced Heating System Discovered In Ruins Of Metropolis ‘City Of Mother Goddess’
Archaeology | Nov 17, 2019 -
Mysterious Ancient Rulers With Elongated Skulls – Who Were They Really?
Ancient Mysteries | May 19, 2015 -
Meet The First Neanderthal Family And Community
Archaeology | Oct 19, 2022 -
Evidence People Lived In Australian Desert 50,000 Years Earlier Than Previously Thought
Archaeology | Sep 22, 2018 -
Sam Bass Became Texas’s Beloved Bandit And Was Admired By The Poor
Featured Stories | Mar 23, 2021 -
Unicorns In Southern Africa: The Fascinating Story Behind One-Horned Creatures In Rock Art
Featured Stories | Jun 24, 2023 -
‘Wheel Of Giants’: Mysterious Complex Of Circles – Prehistoric ‘Stonehenge’ Monument In The Middle East
Featured Stories | Mar 29, 2019 -
Ancient Egyptians Were Familiar With Advanced Ink Technology 2,000 Years Ago – Copper Papyri Reveals
Ancient Technology | Nov 13, 2017 -
Grolier Codex – Oldest, Unique, Genuine Pre-Columbian Maya Manuscript That Survived Spanish Inquisition
Artifacts | Jan 20, 2018 -
The Romans Spread Parasites – Their Hygienic Innovations Gave No Health Benefit
Archaeology | Jan 9, 2016 -
French Grotte de Cussac Cave Reveals Secrets On Life And Death 25,000-30,000 Years Ago
Archaeology | Jun 22, 2020 -
Rare Ancient Human Footprints Found On Gower Peninsula, Wales Are 7,000 Years Old
Archaeology | Mar 8, 2017 -
On This Day In History: Emperor Romulus Augustus Deposed – On September 4, 476
News | Sep 4, 2016 -
1,500-Year-Old Joint Burial Offers A Look Into Attitudes Toward Love And The Afterlife
Archaeology | Sep 14, 2021 -
Mystery Of The 3,500-Year-Old ‘Screaming Woman’ Mummy Solved
Archaeology | Aug 9, 2024 -
2,700-Year-Old Ancient City Of Limnai On Turkey’s West Coast – Discovered
Archaeology | Nov 22, 2018 -
Emperor Kublai Khan: One Of The Most Powerful People In Human History
Featured Stories | May 23, 2017 -
Unknown Saxon Village And Bronze Age Artifacts Found Near Ely, Cambridgeshire
Archaeology | Sep 18, 2023