seidwoman

Seidwoman is a term used in fantasy, role-playing, and occult-inspired fiction to describe a female practitioner of seid, a form of ritual magic. In these contexts, seidwomen are depicted as individuals who listen to or shape the hidden energy currents that flow through people, places, and objects. The word is often presented as a modern or fictional derivative of the Old Norse seiðr tradition, with authors and game designers using it to denote a gendered role within magical systems.

Etymology and context are key to understanding the term. Seiðr (also seið) refers to a Norse magical practice associated with prophecy, influence over others, and altered states of consciousness. The modern term seidwoman intentionally echoes this heritage but is typically a fictional or contemporary label rather than an attempt to document historical practice. It serves to establish a recognizable archetype within speculative settings.

Characteristics commonly attributed to seidwomen include ritual trance work, divination, and energy manipulation. They may rely on tools such as runes, chants, or symbolic objects, and their power is often framed around healing, guidance, protective wards, or the ability to influence outcomes. In some stories and games, seid magic carries moral complexity or risk, requiring discipline to prevent coercive misuse.

Cultural portrayals place seidwomen in varied roles—healers, seers, advisers, or leaders—across different worlds. Their social standing ranges from revered specialists to controversial figures, frequently reflecting broader themes about authority, autonomy, and the responsibilities that accompany powerful knowledge.

See also: seiðr, seer, witch, mage, Norse magic, fantasy tropes.