egseid

Egseid is a term used in the study of Norse magic to refer to a malevolent or harmful form of seid, a practice often described in sagas and scholarly texts. In translation and some editions, it appears as egseid, egsed, or ægseiðr, with the latter being the original Old Norse spelling.

Etymology: The term derives from Old Norse æg- meaning fear or dread, combined with seid, meaning sorcery or magical practice. The compound indicates a type of magic associated with causing fear, harm, or coercion. The spelling egseid is a modern transliteration that omits diacritics.

Historical context: In medieval Icelandic literature, ægseiðr is described as a form of seid used to influence others, often framed as dangerous or taboo. Its portrayal varies across sources and critics debate whether it denotes a distinct branch of seid or a pejorative category used by opponents of practitioners.

Scholarly interpretation: Some scholars treat ægseiðr as a malevolent variant of seid, capable of manipulating emotions, health, or fortunes. Others view the term as a literary or rhetorical device rather than a fixed historical practice. Evidence is fragmentary and interpretations differ.

In modern usage: Beyond academic discussion, egseid appears in contemporary fantasy literature, role-playing games, and popular media as a shorthand for dangerous Norse-inspired sorcery. The term is not used as a formal religious designation in modern pagan traditions, though it sometimes informs popular representations of Norse magic.