seiða

Seiða is a term originating from Old Norse and is often translated as magic, sorcery, or shamanism. It encompasses a range of practices believed to have been employed by individuals in pre-Christian Norse societies to influence events, communicate with the spirit world, or gain knowledge beyond ordinary perception. The exact nature and extent of seiða are debated among scholars, as much of what is known comes from later literary sources, primarily Icelandic sagas, which were written centuries after the practices were believed to have been widespread.

These sources often depict seiða as a ritualistic practice, sometimes involving chanting, specific postures, and the use of tools or symbolic objects. It was frequently associated with women, particularly those who were independent and held a degree of social power, although men also practiced it. The effects attributed to seiða varied, from prophecy and healing to causing misfortune or influencing love. It was a complex and often ambiguous concept, sometimes viewed with suspicion or fear due to its perceived connection to supernatural forces. The understanding of seiða continues to evolve as historical and archaeological evidence is re-examined.