Round Shield with the “Helmet of Terror” Emblem

• Diameter: 76 cm
• Plywood construction, 8 mm thickness
• Umbo thickness: 2 mm, with an inner diameter of 12 cm and a height of 5.5 cm
• Edge rim covered in leather, shield field reinforced with high-strength fabric
• Artistic paintwork
• Internal side mimicking wooden boards, stained with wood stain
• Leather shoulder strap with buckle

The Helmet of Terror (Ægishjálmr) is one of the most iconic symbols in Icelandic culture. According to Norse belief, anyone who wears this symbol in battle will be protected from harm.

The design of the symbol is fearsome, with eight sharp, trident-like rays radiating outward from the center, as if to defend and charge against any surrounding enemy forces.

The first mention of the Ægishjálmr appears in the Saga of Fafnir (Fáfnismál) from the Poetic Edda (1200s), in the context of the hero Sigurd’s battle with the dragon Fafnir. Just before the final blow, the dragon recalls wearing the Øgishjalm (Helmet of Fear), a symbol of immeasurable power:

“I always wore the helmet of terror, lying upon gold; I believed myself stronger than anyone I met.”