afturkallanir

Afturkallanir is an Icelandic term that translates to "re-summoning" or "calling back." It refers to a specific concept within Icelandic folklore and magical practices, particularly those associated with the historical period. The term implies an act of bringing something or someone back from a state of absence, be it a spirit, a lost object, or even a person who has departed.

Historically, afturkallanir was believed to be a complex ritual requiring specific knowledge and incantations. The purpose could vary, from recalling a departed soul to assist with a task, to retrieving an item that had been misplaced or stolen. There are also accounts that suggest it could be used to influence the will of others or to bring someone back to a particular place or situation. The success of such a re-summoning was often dependent on the skill of the practitioner and the precise execution of the ritual.

While the practice of afturkallanir is largely considered a part of historical folklore and not actively performed today, the term itself remains part of the Icelandic lexicon. It evokes a sense of the supernatural and the power believed to exist within ancient practices and beliefs. Understanding afturkallanir provides insight into the cultural and spiritual landscape of historical Iceland and its relationship with the unseen world.