võlge

Võlge is a term primarily used in Estonian linguistics and folklore. It refers to a type of folk magic or spellcasting, often associated with ancient pagan beliefs. The practice of võlge was believed to involve manipulating natural forces or spirits to achieve a desired outcome, such as healing, protection, or harming an enemy.

Historically, võlge was performed by individuals known as "võlglased" or "nõiad" (witches/sorcerers). These practitioners often utilized specific incantations, rituals, and natural ingredients like herbs, roots, and animal parts. The effectiveness of võlge was deeply intertwined with the belief systems of the communities that practiced it, where the natural world and the supernatural were often seen as closely connected.

While the overt practice of võlge has largely faded with modernization and the spread of Christianity, echoes of these beliefs can sometimes be found in contemporary Estonian folk traditions or in literary and artistic interpretations. The term itself evokes a sense of mystery and a connection to a pre-Christian past, contributing to its enduring presence in Estonian cultural discourse.