Heilastofn

Heilastofn is a concept that appears in Icelandic folklore and mythology, often translated as "worry bone" or "luck bone." It is typically described as a small bone, usually found in the breastbone of certain birds, such as chickens or geese. The belief was that finding and keeping this bone brought good luck and protection to the owner.

The specific bird from which the heilastofn was obtained could vary, but the general idea was that it was a special, often hard-to-find bone. It was believed that if two people pulled on the heilastofn simultaneously, and one person's part broke off, the other person would receive their wish. This practice was sometimes referred to as "wishbone breaking" in other cultures, and the heilastofn served a similar purpose.

The heilastofn was not only a charm for good fortune but also a protective amulet. It was thought to ward off evil spirits and bring general well-being to the household or individual. The exact origin and evolution of this belief are not extensively documented, but it is representative of a common human inclination to find tangible objects associated with intangible concepts like luck and protection. The practice and belief in the heilastofn have largely faded with the advent of modern scientific understanding, but it remains a quaint and interesting aspect of Icelandic cultural history.