Varnarstafur Valdemars
Varnarstafur Valdemars, 'Valdemar's protection stave', one of the most popular defensive signs of the Huld manuscript, drawn against enemies and ill-wishers. Its name is attached to a legendary king, and in the folk tradition it was carved on shields, doorways, and tools, carried wherever a person went armed or unarmed against harm. The Museum of Icelandic Sorcery at Holmavík describes the stave as one that 'increases favour and happiness', and when evil was feared it could be laid out inside a hen-egg membrane with plaice gut and worn in the hat. The stave's work blended practical protection