Icelandic magical staves (Galdrastafir) are powerful symbols believed to channel supernatural forces. Each one was crafted with purpose, used for protection, invisibility, luck, or control over the elements. Their intricate designs and hidden meanings continue to fascinate artists, researchers, and travelers alike.
Icelandic staves remain deeply symbolic. Today, they appear in tattoos, jewelry, and local artwork, bridging the mysterious with the modern. Whether you're drawn to their aesthetic or their mythic aura, these magical staves still carry an enduring presence.
The staves’ lasting influence makes them a fascinating highlight on some culture tours in Iceland, where you can dive deeper into the island’s unique history, folklore, and mysticism.
If you’re curious about the darker, more mysterious side of Icelandic heritage, this guide to magical staves is the perfect place to start. You’ll uncover the origins and meanings behind Galdrastafir, from medieval spellbooks to their modern use in art and folklore.
Quick Facts About Icelandic Magical Staves
Icelandic magical staves, known as galdrastafir, are symbols believed to hold supernatural powers, used historically for protection, luck, love, and other purposes.
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These staves are closely linked to Icelandic folk magic traditions, which often involve runes, incantations, and ritual use of symbols.
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Many of the magical staves we know today come from the Galdrabok, a 17th-century Icelandic book of magic containing spells, symbols, and instructions for use.
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Each stave has a specific function. Some offer protection and courage, while others are associated with causing harm or invoking fear.
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The use of staves was often combined with rituals, blood, and secrecy, and in some cases, tied to Christian or pagan elements depending on the time period.
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Today, Icelandic staves are part of cultural heritage and modern mysticism, often seen in tattoos, jewelry, and neopagan practices. Their historical use was more complex and often misunderstood.
Purpose and Powers of the Galdrastafir Symbols
Icelandic magical staves were created with clear and focused intentions. Each one served a unique purpose. Some staves brought luck or safety, while others aimed to cause fear or harm. People used them to influence the weather, find lost objects, or ensure safe travel.
Their power was believed to come from both the design and the ritual used with it. To activate their power, users followed specific steps, reciting chants, using special ink, or carving them into wood or bone.
Many Icelandic staves required secrecy, as they were thought to work best when hidden. The success of the spell depended on the precision of the design and the strength of belief.
Notable Icelandic Magical Staves and Their Meanings
Many Icelandic magical staves have distinct shapes and stories that set them apart. They were drawn with precision and believed to hold real power.
Today, a few Icelandic stave symbols have become especially well-known, often seen in modern Icelandic art and souvenirs. Below are some of the most iconic examples.
Aegishjalmur (Helm of Awe)
First mentioned in the Poetic Edda (Fafnismal) as a source of power, Aegishjalmur later appeared as a symbol in the Galdrabok manuscript.
The symbol is believed to protect the wearer and instill fear in enemies. It was traditionally drawn between the eyes or on the forehead to inspire strength and courage in battle.
Vegvisir (Wayfinder)
Found in the Huld Manuscript (1860), Vegvisir was said to guide travelers through storms and unfamiliar terrain. It was carried or worn to prevent getting lost, even when the path was unknown.
Veldismagn
Also recorded in the Huld Manuscript, this stave was used to protect the body and spirit during travel. It was drawn and carried to promote safety, strength, and good health.
Hulinhjalmur (Helm of Disguise/Invisibility)
Described in various Icelandic grimoires and folk traditions, Hulinhjalmur was believed to make the user invisible or undetectable. Creating it involved complex rituals, including magical ink made from blood, and the symbol had to remain secret to retain its power.
Galgastafir
Appearing in the Galdrabok and other folk texts, this stave was meant to curse enemies or deliver punishment. It was typically carved in secret or placed near the target to bring misfortune or justice.
Lesser-Known Icelandic Magical Staves and Their Meanings
While staves like Aegishjalmur and Vegvisir are the most widely recognized today, many other Icelandic magical staves were crafted for practical, everyday concerns.
Though they may not be as visually iconic or widely reproduced, these magical staves appear in historical grimoires and folk traditions and serve important purposes, ranging from luck and love to protection and dreams.
Lukkustafir (Luck Staves)
Image credit to: Galdrastafir.sigil, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons. No edits made.
Found in the Galdrabok and Huld Manuscript, these staves were drawn on parchment, carved into tools, or worn on the body to attract good fortune, financial success, and favorable outcomes.
Astfangarstafir (Love Staves)
Appearing in magical texts and often used with poetic charms, these symbols were believed to inspire love and passion. They were hidden in clothing, placed under pillows, or discreetly carried to influence emotions.
Frjosemisstafir (Fertility Staves)
Referenced in rural folk magic, these staves were drawn on fabric or wood and carried by expectant mothers to support fertility and ease childbirth. Some were placed near the bed during labor.
Sigrunarstafir (Victory Staves)
Linked to warrior spells and oral tradition, these staves were used for strength, courage, and success. They were inscribed on weapons, shields, or worn to help overcome challenges.
Thjofastafir (Thief Staves)
Image credit to: Ræveðis, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons. No edits made.
Recorded in folk remedies and lesser-known grimoires, these staves protected property or exposed thieves. They were carved into doors, hidden under thresholds, or placed near entryways to ward off wrongdoers.
Draumstafir (Dream Staves)
Image credit to: Ræveðis, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons. No edits made.
Used in dreamwork and folk rituals, these staves were drawn with fingers before sleep or inscribed on wood or parchment. Placing them under a pillow was thought to promote restful sleep or guide dreams.
The History Behind Iceland’s Magical Staves
The roots of Icelandic magical staves go back to a time when Norse beliefs and local folklore shaped daily life. These galdrastafir symbols emerged in the early modern period (16th–18th centuries), influenced by both pagan and Christian traditions. Magic was not seen as fantasy—it was part of how people explained and managed the world around them.
Icelandic magical staves were most often recorded in grimoires, especially the Galdrabok. This manuscript, written by different hands over time, combined spells, runes, and staves used for healing, revenge, and protection. Some were based on older runic systems, while others developed into their own visual language.
Icelandic staves were often used by clergy, healers, and laypeople alike, blending Christian liturgy with older folk practices in a context where formal magicians were rare. These Icelandic stave symbols offered a sense of control in a world shaped by nature’s extremes. They were tools for both spiritual defense and personal power.
- See also: Icelandic Runes and Staves | The Complete Guide
- See also: Folklore in Iceland: The Complete Guide
Key Manuscripts Preserving Icelandic Magical Staves
Much of what we know about Icelandic magical staves comes from handwritten grimoires passed down through the centuries. These manuscripts recorded spells, protective symbols, and rituals used by everyday Icelanders. While many were anonymous or altered over time, a few have become especially important sources.
Galdrabok (Late 16th to mid-17th century)
Also known as Galdrakver, Galdrabok (Lbs 143 8vo) is a compact Icelandic grimoire compiled by four scribes—three Icelanders and one Dane. It contains 47 spells and sigils, blending Christian prayers, runic magic, Norse mythology, and folk remedies.
It is considered one of the most important sources on early Icelandic magical practices, offering insights into protective, healing, and cursing rituals.
Huld Manuscript (1860)
The Huld Manuscript (IB 383 4to), compiled by Geir Vigfusson, is a 19th-century collection featuring runic alphabets and approximately 30 magical staves, including the well-known Vegvisir and Veldismagn.
Though compiled later than medieval sources, it reflects the preservation and interpretation of magical traditions in Icelandic culture. The Vegvisir, for instance, is described as a symbol to prevent one from losing one's way in storms or bad weather.
Galdrastafir/Book of Magic (1900–1949)
The Book of Magic (Lbs 4375 8vo) includes a wide range of magical staves and spells, documenting a blend of oral and written traditions in Icelandic folk magic. It serves as a valuable resource for modern studies of Icelandic magic, preserving symbols and practices that might have otherwise been lost.
All three manuscripts are preserved at the National and University Library of Iceland, where they continue to support research into the country’s esoteric heritage.
How Icelandic Magical Staves Were Used
Using an Icelandic magical stave wasn’t casual—it involved intention, preparation, and secrecy. While exact historical methods varied and are not always fully recorded, these general steps reflect patterns observed in surviving grimoires and folk accounts.
Step 1: Choose the Right Stave
The first step was to select a stave that matched the specific goal—whether for protection, revenge, healing, or guidance. Manuscripts like the Galdrabók and Huld provided options for different outcomes. The power of the spell depended on choosing the correct symbol.
Step 2: Prepare the Materials
The user gathered the needed items, typically parchment, wood, bone, or stone. Some spells required specific tools like a knife or a staff. The ink might include herbs, soot, or blood, depending on the stave’s intent.
Step 3: Draw the Stave Carefully
Precision mattered. The stave was drawn or carved carefully, often in silence or during specific moon phases or holy days. A mistake in the lines could render the symbol useless or dangerous.
Step 4: Activate the Stave
Most staves required a verbal element. This could be a chant, a Christian prayer, a Norse invocation, or a secret phrase whispered during the drawing. The words were thought to “awaken” the symbol’s power.
Step 5: Place or Carry the Stave
Once complete, the Icelandic stave was placed where it would be most effective:
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Hidden in clothing for personal protection
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Etched on a doorway or weapon for defense
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Buried near a target for cursing
Secrecy was crucial. Many believed the spell would fail if the stave was seen by others.
Step 6: Observe and Respect the Outcome
After use, the stave wasn’t always discarded. Some were kept in amulets, burned ceremonially, or buried. Success depended not just on the ritual, but on the belief and intention behind it.
- Read more: Witchcraft and Sorcery in Iceland
The Cultural Significance of Icelandic Magical Staves
Icelandic magical staves are part of a real cultural and spiritual tradition. Using them without understanding their meaning risks misrepresentation. These symbols were made with purpose—some for healing, others for harm.
If you plan to wear or display a stave, learn what it represents. Misuse often comes from treating them as decorations rather than cultural symbols. Awareness shows respect.
Many Icelanders view these staves as heritage, not just folklore. Sharing them responsibly means understanding their origins and avoiding appropriation. Supporting local artists or museums helps preserve their meaning and context.
Where to See Icelandic Magical Staves Today
Icelandic magical staves are still visible across the country, especially in places that highlight folklore and history. Travelers can find them in books, museum displays, and art galleries. Their unique shapes often appear on modern souvenirs and crafts.
Seeing these symbols in person adds depth to their story. They are no longer just images in old books—they are part of Iceland’s living culture.
For many travelers, discovering Icelandic magical staves is a highlight of exploring the country. Here are some standout places where you can experience the magical staves in person:
The Museum of Icelandic Sorcery and Witchcraft (Galdrasafnid)
Image credit to: Christian Bickel fingalo, CC BY-SA 2.0 DE, via Wikimedia Commons. No edits made.
The Museum of Icelandic Sorcery and Witchcraft in the town of Holmavik in the Westfjords is the country’s best-known site dedicated to magical history.
The museum features historical texts, reconstructed staves from grimoires like Galdrabok, and detailed exhibits on 17th-century sorcery. Visitors can see magical staves etched on parchment, walls, and artifacts, alongside stories of how they were used in Icelandic society.
If you’re following the trail of Icelandic magical staves, this is one of the most essential stops. It anchors the region’s folklore and gives a deeper understanding of how people once engaged with magic in everyday life.
Address: Hofdagata 8-10, Holmavik
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May 15 – September 30: Daily, 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
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October 1 – May 14: Weekdays 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM; Weekends 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM
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Note: Last admission is at 5:30 PM
You’ll find the museum right in the center of Holmavik, making it easy to visit if you’re exploring the Westfjords region. Staff can also offer guidance on nearby sites like the Sorcerer’s Cottage and the Strandagaldur Sorcery Walk hiking trail.
The Sorcerer’s Cottage
The Sorcerer's Cottage is located in Bjarnarfjordur, a fjord in the Westfjords region of Iceland. It is a smaller annex of the Museum of Icelandic Sorcery and Witchcraft that recreates rural Icelandic life, including folk magic traditions.
It features a replica of a turf house where magical staves are carved into the interior walls, reflecting how they were used historically.
Before visiting, it’s helpful to check for updates about access. Although it’s a smaller site, it adds historical depth to the main museum experience.
Address: 643, 510 Kaldrananes, Iceland
Opening Hours: Due to the bad condition of the building, it is temporarily closed for all entry until it is fixed.
As the building is undergoing repairs, visitors can still explore the surrounding area and learn about its role in preserving Iceland’s magical past. The main museum in Holmavik remains the primary destination for related exhibits.
The Strandagaldur Sorcery Walk
The Strandagaldur Sorcery Walk is an outdoor trail near the Museum of Icelandic Sorcery and Witchcraft in Holmavik. It features sculptures and carved symbols inspired by Icelandic magical staves and folklore, offering a self-guided experience that blends local mythology with the natural landscape.
The trail is free to access and open year-round, making it an easy addition to any visit to the museum or the surrounding Westfjords region. Maps and additional information are available at the museum.
Whether you follow the full trail or explore a few sections, it’s a fitting way to reflect on the intersection of magic and place. It’s especially atmospheric in the misty weather common to the Westfjords.
The National Museum of Iceland
The National Museum of Iceland doesn’t focus exclusively on sorcery, but it often includes magical symbols, runes, and medieval manuscripts in its exhibits. Some temporary displays also explore Icelandic folk beliefs, religion, and magical traditions.
A visit here offers a broader understanding of the cultural context in which magical staves developed. It’s a good stop if you want to combine general Icelandic history with snippets of its mystical side.
Map Location: Sudurgata 41, 102 Reykjavik
Opening Hours:
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May 1 – September 15: Daily, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
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September 16 – April 30: Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM; closed on Mondays
Because it's centrally located in Reykjavik, this museum is easy to access and ideal for adding context before visiting other folklore-specific sites. Entry is also included in the convenient Reykjavik City Card. Be sure to check for seasonal exhibitions.
Arni Magnusson Institute for Icelandic Studies
Arni Magnusson Institute for Icelandic Studies houses many of Iceland’s most important medieval manuscripts, including some containing magical texts. Its permanent exhibition, World in Words, opened in 2025 and highlights manuscripts related to Norse mythology, early literature, and magical practices.
The institute serves as both a museum and a research center. It offers a more academic look at the staves and the texts they come from, perfect for those who want to dive deeper into manuscript culture.
Address: University of Iceland campus in the Edda Building (Arngrimsgata 5, 101 Reykjavik)
Opening Hours:
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World in Words exhibition: Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
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Closed on Mondays
Since it’s located on a university campus, it’s a quieter spot with fewer crowds. Those interested in the origins of magical knowledge will find it especially rewarding.
Draugasetrid (The Ghost Centre)
Image credit to: Jóhann Heiðar Árnason, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons. No edits made.
The Ghost Center in the town of Stokkseyri, South Iceland, explores the country’s ghost stories, folklore, and supernatural beliefs. It provides context for the fears and forces that magical staves were often used to combat.
The museum features a haunted maze showcasing 24 Icelandic ghost tales with audio effects, animatronics, and eerie lighting. Themes such as curses, protections, and spirits highlight the darker side of Icelandic magic.
Stokkseyri is about an hour’s drive from Reykjavik. To explore the area at your own pace, rent a vehicle in Reykjavik and enjoy the scenic drive along Iceland’s southern coast.
Address: Hafnargata 9, 825 Stokkseyri
Opening Hours: The museum is temporarily closed due to building safety concerns and is undergoing repairs.
While smaller than Reykjavik’s major museums, Draugasetrid offers a theatrical and immersive experience that makes it worth the detour. It’s a good complement to sites focusing on magic and folklore.
Various Artisan Shops and Tattoo Studios
In Reykjavik and Akureyri, various artisan shops and tattoo studios specialize in Icelandic magical staves, including popular designs like Vegvisir and Aegishjalmur. You’ll find unique jewelry, prints, and carved items inspired by these historic symbols.
Many tattoo studios also offer Icelandic folk design tattoos featuring staves, often accompanied by explanations of their meanings. These studios and shops provide a meaningful way to connect with Iceland’s rich, magical heritage while exploring the cities.
- See also: The Best Museums in Iceland
FAQs About Icelandic Magical Staves
Curious about how Icelandic magical staves were used, what they mean, or whether they’re part of Norse mythology? Below are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions to help you explore their origins, purpose, and modern relevance.
What is Icelandic magic called?
Icelandic magic is called galdr, meaning chant or spell, and fjolkynngi, meaning magical knowledge or sorcery. The symbols used in this tradition are known as galdrastafir, or magical staves.
Why are they called staves?
They are called staves because stafir in Icelandic means “staves” or “sticks,” referencing the straight, rune-like lines that make up their design.
What were the staves used for?
Magical staves were used for specific purposes such as protection, love, luck, revenge, safe travel, fertility, or dream-related work.
How do the staves work?
Staves were believed to work through a combination of symbolic form, ritual practice, and intention. Their power relied on the belief system and secrecy surrounding their use.
How were magical staves used and activated?
Magical staves were typically inscribed onto surfaces like wood, paper, or skin and activated through ritual, which could include chants, timing with moon phases, or using blood as ink.
Are magical staves a form of runic magic?
No, magical staves are not the same as runic magic. While they may look similar, staves function more like sigils—visual spells—rather than writing systems like runes.
Are magical staves part of Norse mythology?
No, they are not part of original Norse mythology. Most staves were created after the Viking Age and reflect a mix of Christian, folkloric, and pagan influences.
Were the magical staves used in the Viking Age?
No, magical staves were not used during the Viking Age. Most surviving examples date from the 16th to 19th centuries, well after the Viking period ended.
What are the historical sources?
The key sources for Icelandic magical staves are grimoires like the Galdrabok, Huld Manuscript, and Book of Magic, all housed in Iceland's National and University Library.
Are there different types of staves?
Yes, staves were categorized by function—Lukkustafir for luck, Draumstafir for dreams, Astfangarstafir for love, Frjosemisstafir for fertility, among others.
Can I wear or use these magical staves today?
Yes, you can wear or use these magical staves today, often as tattoos or jewelry, but it’s important to understand their meanings and approach them with cultural respect.
Step Into the World of Icelandic Magical Staves
Icelandic magical staves offer more than just old symbols; they reflect a worldview shaped by nature, belief, and survival. These staves helped people face the unknown, giving comfort and control in a harsh land. Each line and shape carried weight, grounded in purpose. Even now, their mystery draws people in.
Today, Icelandic magical staves are found in tattoos, artworks, and cultural exhibits across the country. Some of the most curious exhibits appear in places like the weirdest museums in Iceland, where magic meets the unexpected. What once lived in secret is now shared with the world.
For travelers and curious minds, these staves offer a unique way to connect with Iceland’s past. They invite questions, inspire respect, and spark imagination. Icelandic magical staves continue to cast their spell, one symbol at a time.
Which Icelandic magical stave resonates most with you? Whether you're drawn to their history, mystery, or design, these symbols continue to spark curiosity around the world. Tell us your thoughts in the comments—have you seen or used one of these staves yourself?
