loitsud

Loitsud is the Estonian plural noun meaning “spells” or “enchantments.” The term refers to magical utterances, charms, or incantations used in folklore, ritual practice, and literary contexts. The singular form is loits.

Etymology and usage: Loitsud is derived from loits, a word for spell or enchantment. The root is connected to Finnic linguistic ancestors, with related terms found in neighboring languages. In traditional Estonian folklore, loitsud were believed to possess power and were often associated with practitioners such as healers, wizards, or bards who used them in healing, protection, or weather-related rites. They may appear in oral narratives and ballads, including runic-style songs that preserve ancient ritual formulas.

Cultural context: In modern Estonian language and culture, loitsud can be referenced in discussions of folklore, ethnography, and literature. They are also used in contemporary fantasy and fiction to describe magical spells, often as a neutral or descriptive term rather than an endorsement of supernatural belief. The term thus spans historical belief systems and modern creative usage.

See also: Loits (singular), Regilaul, Estonian folklore.