Comments on: Protection Symbol: Björk’s Symbolic Tattoo

By: Hrundir

Hrundir — Wed, 18 May 2011 02:06:23 +0000

How do you pronounce ægishjálmur? A phonetic spelling would just be the best.

By: Jordan

Jordan — Tue, 26 Apr 2011 06:11:15 +0000

I have been obsessed with the helm of awe ever since I saw it in an old book. it is always on my mind and I end up drawing it on everything whenever there is a pencil in my hand. I am now planning on getting it as a tattoo. I’m happy I know the meaning behind it now. :)

By: mandla

mandla — Tue, 05 Apr 2011 14:17:02 +0000

We use the written language differently than our ancestors. Symbols were not used to communicate phrases or the spoken words. They were used as intricate symbols to communicate facts and powers that in our world takes a whole book to communicate and a university education. The nearest to what they had in mind is what we call today mathematical equations.

Imagine if they (ancestor Vikings) tried to interpret a modern mathematical equation on the basis of what they see! This is exactly what we are trying to do here. We would laugh at their childish understanding.

The beauty and symmetry of the symbol made it easy to remember and pleasant to look at but the real purpose was to interpret it and link it to the higher spiritual powers!

A good nuclear fusion equation means a lot to a scientist. The symbols dont cause nuclear fusion, but when enacted in practice they mean a working nuclear plant and massive energy generated. These symbols stand in the same relationship to the Vikings. You must know the context in which they are enacted.

So these symbols conveyed truths, beauty, and knowledge about the seen life and hidden spiritual life. The magic did not consist in changing the course of nature without your personal involvement. that is entertainment. And they had little time for such childish things. The magic was your power inside yourself to overcome nature for a real and noble purpose. And the symbol did not do the trick (much as a textbook on nuclear physics can generate nuclear power!) but reflected the whole range of beliefs, relationships, powers, forms, that made it possible.

I have no doubt that very soon someone will decipher the symbols and bring them into the world of action and men. Good luck keep searching….

By: Björn - Iceland

Björn - Iceland — Mon, 28 Feb 2011 00:21:28 +0000

It is impossible to explain to someone how to say things in Icelandic…
He is correct on the “ve” part as in “very” but the G is more soft…The sound comes from the bottom of your throat… it is hard for non-icelanders to get it but it takes practise.
The last V is just a v but the I is like “ee” or you could say the V and the I togather like you say the letter V when you were going through the alphabet in school when you were a kid…
The S is just a “s” and the I is said like the I in “virulent”.
The R is just “r”…

BTW. The way you say Björk could not be further from the way you should say it…
Ok… B is just “b”. The J is close to the way Edward sayd but it is better to think of the way your mouth is when saying the Y in “you”. then the Ö part…. it is NOT like EEE!!!!!! It is more like the U in “Must”. Then The R kind of rolls into the K.
When saying the R, don’t put the tip of your tongue pointing upwards… make it point forward… If you say it with the tip pointing upwards you sound retarded to Icelanders :) hehe

Thank you come again…

By: Gloriel

Gloriel — Fri, 25 Feb 2011 23:03:08 +0000

Weh-gh-vee-sih-rh… I’m pretty sure that sums it up. The English language has fewer vowels than Icelandic, so even with different pronounciations put aside, writing a speech guide can become quite sketchy :)

This is about as close as it gets though.

By: thorsgar

thorsgar — Sat, 20 Nov 2010 22:56:35 +0000

you were right about everything in the pronunciation except the “sir” part rhymes with “ear” , not “sir”.

By: Bone Breaker

Bone Breaker — Fri, 24 Sep 2010 08:16:59 +0000

I had my aegishjalmur tattoo done a year ago. My artist could not penetrate my skin until he used the finest needle. What should of taken 45 minutes took nearly 4 hours! No blood, no pain, no swelling. Freaked out everyone in the tattoo shop,including myself! I have yet to lose a conflict, contest, or business deal since. Still a bit freaked too.

By: Michael Bylander

Michael Bylander — Tue, 06 Jul 2010 02:56:26 +0000

The (ægishjálmr) or (Helm of Awe) is a magical symbol of protection used by early Vikings. Worn between the eyes, it may have been intended to confer invincibility in the wearer or instill fear in one’s enemies. Today, it is used as a charm of protection by Asatru believers.

By: Rune

Rune — Thu, 17 Jun 2010 17:28:29 +0000

I have the Vegvisir on my left breast in hopes to steer my heart and body in the proper direction…i also have a Good luck rune on my back so it is always behind me when i need it…and i have a battle rune that is meant to put fear into your enemy…i was considering a tattoo of the nine worlds on my back but I have yet to find any traditional designs for it…any help would be much appreciated. Also the Hulinhjálmur caught my eye witht the design, are there any superstisions about getting it? cause i know some runes carry spiritual power and have witnessed their powers.

By: Kire

Kire — Sat, 29 May 2010 16:24:33 +0000

Freki; Carefull about taking runic tattooes, they have a meaning and even though you might not believe in them regarding the spiritual sence, you should respect those who do believe in them, enough to well.. Not dishonor the runes ;)