seiðr

Seiðr is a form of Norse magic practiced in Viking Age Scandinavia. Its exact nature is debated among scholars, but it is generally understood to have involved ritualistic practices aimed at divination, prophecy, and influencing fate. The practitioners of seiðr, known as seiðkona (sorceress) or seiðmaðr (sorcerer), were often respected figures in society, though their practices could also inspire fear.

Sources describing seiðr come primarily from Old Norse literature, particularly the Eddas and sagas. These texts often depict seiðr as a complex and sometimes dangerous art. It is frequently associated with the god Odin, who is said to have learned it from the Vanir. The practice involved chanting, trance-like states, and sometimes the use of tools such as staffs or special seats.

The ethical implications and social status of seiðr practitioners varied. While some were portrayed as wise advisors, others were depicted as manipulative or even malevolent. The term "ergi," meaning effeminacy or unmanliness, was sometimes used negatively in relation to male practitioners of seiðr, suggesting a societal discomfort with men engaging in what was perceived as a feminine art. Modern scholarship continues to analyze the available evidence to understand the role and significance of seiðr in Norse culture.