forritsviðmóts

Forritsviðmóts is a term that appears in some Icelandic texts, particularly older ones, and refers to a meeting or encounter with a foreteller or seer. This individual, often a woman, was believed to possess the ability to predict the future or offer insights into hidden matters. These meetings were typically sought out by individuals facing significant life decisions, seeking guidance on personal matters, or trying to understand potential future events.

The nature of the forritsviðmót could vary. It might involve direct consultation, where the seer would offer pronouncements based on omens, dreams, or visions. In some instances, the meeting could be more ritualistic, involving specific practices or objects to facilitate the divination process. The specific methods employed by the forritsviðmóts were diverse and often depended on local traditions and the individual seer's reputed skills.

Historically, such encounters highlight the importance of supernatural beliefs and the role of individuals who claimed to mediate between the human and spiritual realms in Icelandic society. While the practice of forritsviðmóts is not prevalent in modern Iceland, the term itself serves as a linguistic artifact, offering a glimpse into past societal views on prophecy and foresight.