Kergemarhakór

Kergem-arhakór is a term originating from Icelandic folklore, often translated as "phantom madness" or "spectral delirium." It describes a state of profound psychological distress and disorientation attributed to supernatural influences, specifically the presence or influence of a ghost, troll, or other malevolent spirit. Individuals suffering from kergem-arhakór were believed to lose their senses, acting erratically, speaking nonsensically, or becoming deeply melancholic and withdrawn.

The condition was not viewed as a medical illness in the modern sense but rather a spiritual affliction. Explanations for its onset varied, but common beliefs included disturbing a burial site, offending a spirit, or being the victim of a curse. The symptoms were often described as a temporary or prolonged period of irrational behavior, characterized by fear, confusion, and a detachment from reality. In some accounts, the afflicted person might see or hear things others could not, or their personality might drastically change.

Traditional remedies for kergem-arhakór were deeply rooted in folk magic and spiritual practices. These could involve rituals to appease spirits, the use of protective charms, or the intervention of a seer or shaman who could diagnose the supernatural cause and prescribe a course of action. These actions often aimed to cleanse the afflicted person or their environment of the perceived spiritual disturbance. While the term itself is specific to Icelandic tradition, the concept of madness or delirium attributed to supernatural causes can be found in various cultures worldwide.