völvid

Völvid is a term that appears in Old Norse literature, notably in the Poetic Edda. It refers to a specific type of prophecy or divination, often associated with powerful and sometimes fearsome women. These women, known as völur, were believed to possess the ability to see the future, understand hidden matters, and communicate with the spiritual realm. The practice of völvid involved elaborate rituals, chants, and sometimes trance-like states.

The most famous example of völvid in the Eddas is the prophecy delivered by the völva in the poem Völuspá. This comprehensive prophecy recounts the creation of the world, the history of the gods, and the ultimate fate of the cosmos, Ragnarök. Through her vision, the völva reveals the interconnectedness of events and the cyclical nature of existence. Völvid was not merely a passive foretelling; it could also be a way to influence or shape future events.

The practice was respected and feared in Viking Age society. While some sought out the wisdom of völur, others viewed them with suspicion due to the perceived otherworldly power they wielded. The concept of völvid highlights the importance of fate, destiny, and the supernatural in Norse mythology and the way individuals and communities grappled with the unknown.