They represent several, or many, intertwined runes, often highly stylized. At the moment, they are the most poorly studied section of northern magic.
The word "Galdrastav" comes from the word "galdr" - "spell", and "becoming" - "tablet" (Isl. Galdur), from which it follows that galdrastavs are signs close to runes. Many galdrastavs are runes superimposed one on one, and together form one sign, usually very difficult to read.
Runes "Knitted", and not written in a line to hide the true meaning of what was written from the uninitiated, the unenlightened.
The main source of information about the Galdrastafs was the Icelandic magical manuscripts - the Galdraboks. Several works have survived to this day. Not long ago, one was translated into English with a lot of errors. The translation was published by Samuel Weiser in 1989. There are legendary accounts of two Galdraboks. The author of the first book, Raudskinni (Red Skin), is Bishop Gottskalk. According to legend, this manuscript was written on blood-red paper with golden runes. It is believed that he was buried along with his author. Galdra-loptur (who died in 1722) tried to dig up the sorcerer and take possession of the secrets kept in the Raudskinni, but after his attempts legends began to circulate that the bishop's grave was bewitched. Loptur failed to achieve his goal - he went crazy. Thus,the galdrabok was lost forever. Another manuscript, Graskinni ("Gray Skin"), included two parts written in different languages, the first in Latin letters, the second in erroneous runes.
Aegischjalms.
The Aegiskjalms were created with the aim of overtaking the enemies with panic, so strong that they fell into a stupor for a while. Often this type of galdrastavov is associated with snakes, since the venom of some snakes paralyzes the victim. Most often, "Helmets of Terror" were cruciform patterns, the meaning of which is debated to this day.
Galdramünd.
Galdramünd is the only type of Galdrastav that most likely has nothing to do with runes. These signs represent images of things and animals that had magical significance for Icelanders. Signs have been used for various magical purposes. Some researchers do not consider the Galdramunds to be Galdrastavs, however, based on Icelandic traditions, most experts designate the Galdramunds with the term "Stafus" (from Icelandic - "Sign"), like any other symbols.
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Galdrastavy.
Galdrastavs are the "Knitted" runes mentioned above. Hiding the meaning of the sign is a very common phenomenon in the northern tradition, which suggests that it was considered one of the most important guarantees of a successful magical act. Experts are still racking their heads over the decoding of some signs.
Galdrastafs were most often used in Iceland, where they were most developed, especially in the XI - the first half of the Xviii centuries.
From the book: “Runes. The Big Book of Runic Magic"