The Helm of Awe and other Magical Staves

The Vikings' magical signs and staves can be found in Icelandic grimoires (books of magic). According the Icelandic Museum of Sorcery and Witchcraft some of the signs seem to be derived from medieval mysticism and renaissance occultism, while others show some relation to runic culture and the old Germanic belief in Thor and Odin. 

An example of a seal from a Grimoire

The Helm of Awe is the viking symbol of protection and was a magical stave. It was worn by the vikings between the eyes, often on their helmets, as a form of magic that induced fear in their enemies and protected against the abuse of power. The Helm of Awe (or Helm of Terror) in its many forms most often has eight three-forked ends.

Hulinhjalmur is a magical sign to make yourself invisible.

It was beleived if you drew the Veidistafur in wren's blood on a caul with a pen made of a raven's feather, then put it in a gimlet hole under the prow of your ship that you will always have a good catch.

If the Efohreintsveimarum was carved over the door of the house and an awl of juniper or silver was made this symbol was thought to keep the house clean.

The Angurgapi was carved on the ends of barrels to prevent leaking.

The Kaupalokar was used to promote prosper in trade; this stave was drawn on furry paper and kept secretly under one's left arm, success in trading was then thought to be ensured.

From a privatly owned 19th centery manucript