svæfingargrúnar

Svæfingargrúnar is a term that appears in Old Norse literature, often associated with sorcery or a specific type of magical ritual. Its precise meaning and application remain subjects of scholarly debate, but it is generally understood to refer to a practice or object used in seiðr, a prominent form of Norse magic.

The term itself can be broken down into "svæfing" meaning sleep or trance, and "grúnar" possibly relating to "grunda" meaning to ponder or meditate, or perhaps a type of charm or incantation. Together, it suggests a state of altered consciousness induced or maintained through magical means. Some scholars interpret svæfingargrúnar as a specific type of spell or chant designed to induce a trance-like state in the practitioner or a target. Others propose it might refer to a ritualistic object, such as a staff or amulet, used in these practices.

Evidence for svæfingargrúnar is primarily found in sagas and Eddic poetry, where seiðr practitioners are described. While the texts do not offer a detailed "how-to" guide, they allude to the power and sometimes the perceived danger of such magic. The association with trance and deep contemplation suggests a connection to divination and the seeking of knowledge from supernatural realms. The exact nature of svæfingargrúnar continues to be explored by those studying Norse mythology and historical magic.