Norse Magic: Seiðr, Galdr, and Runic Magic

norsemythologist.com/norse-magic

Tara Summerville November 2, 2022

The three types of basic magic found in Norse mythology include seiðr, galdr, and
Runic magic. Galdr is an incanatation; seiðr was more similar to a ritual; Runic
magic incorporated runic inscriptions to heal, cast spells on enemies, or protect in
battle.

The Gods like Odin and Thor in Old Norse sagas used these types of magic. They were also
used by the Vikings and the Germanic people of Iceland and Scandinavian countries in the
Pre-Christian period in Northern Europe.

It was primarily used to gain an edge in battle, heal, and draw strength from the gods.

What is Galdr
Simple put, galdr is an incanatation. If you translate the word Galdr from old Norse, it
means to crow, yell, or chant. Chants or invitations were used for various reasons, from
medicinal healing to spells against enemies. These chants were typically in a poetic format

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called, Galdralag.

While galdr was crucial to pre-Christian Vikings, it also provides us with many written-down
records of these invitations that tell us a lot about the lives of the Vikings and the types of
spells they used in their everyday lives. Some chants were love spells, while others were
used to heal a horse’s broken leg.

The dead Gróa recites her incantation (galdr) before her son Svipdagr. The list of illustrations in the front
matter of the book gives this one the title Groa’s Incantation; W.G. Collinwood (1908)

What is Seiðr
Unlike galdr, there isn’t as much known about seiðr. The practice of galdr provides many
documented incantations that are preserved and translated and survive today. Seiðr was
more similar to a ritual, and there isn’t much written about this mysterious pre-
Christian Viking practice.

What we do know about seiðr is that it utilizes Shamans to conduct these rituals, and they
included primarily female shamen called völvas. These rituals incorporate drums and rattles,
singing, and staff to call on the spirits of the Norse gods.

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Seiðr sounds very similar to a modern church service, but these practices pre-dated
Christianity in the region. Seiðr was often conducted outdoors, and shamen traveled to
different areas. In the Nordic regions, kings or chieftains paid shamen to conduct seiðr in
their villages.

Think of seiðr shamen like tarot card readers. They advised the people who visited their ritual
and gave them insight into their future.

Odin holds bracelets and leans on his spear while looking towards the völva in Völuspá. Gesturing, the
völva holds a spoon and sits beside a steaming kettle. The text “V:14” in the bottom left corner refers to
Völuspá stanza 14; Lorenz Frolich (1895)

What is Runic Magic

Runic magic incorporated runic inscriptions to heal, cast spells on enemies, or
protect in battle.

In the Poetic Edda, Odin was so eager to learn the magic of the runes that he hung himself
from Yggdrasil until he understood their meaning. Elder Futhark runes or talismans were
carved into pieces of wood or onto the weapons of Vikings to aid in battle.

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Tyr, the god of war, was often carved onto Viking swords and shields to ensure victory in
battle. In addition to Tyr, other carved runes include Odin’s ravens or Thor’s hammer.

The inscription on the Kylver stone ends with a stacked bind rune combining six Tiwaz runes used to
invoke the god Tyr and four Ansuz runes to invoke the Æsir (400 AD)

Did the Vikings Believe in Magic?

Yes, the Vikings very much believed in magic.

Remember, Norse Paganism shares much in common with modern religions. Using magic,
whether incantations, runes, or rituals, was the way for the Germanic people to speak to their
gods.

Much like prayer, the Vikings that followed Norse religion used these magical techniques the
call upon the Norse gods for strength and protection.

What Kind of Magic did Odin Use?

Odin used rune magic and paid dearly for the ability.

While Odin sat next to his wife, Freyja, he looked out over the world and was overcome with
the desire for the power of the sacred runes.

As depicted in the poem Hávamál in the Poetic Edda, Odin cut out his eye and hung himself
from the branches of Yggdrasil until the secret of the runes revealed itself to him. On the
ninth day, Odin gained the power of the runes.

Modern Norse Magic

The modern practice of Norse magic is referred to as Asatru, Heathenry, or Norse
Wicca. Those that actively practice Asatru are also called Wiccans.

This pagan religion was mostly lost to time, especially when Christianity took hold in the
regions of Scandinavia and Northern Europe. It was in the 1970s that Norse Paganism
became a recognized legal religion in Iceland.

Modern practices of seiðr, galdr and runic magic are used to practice Norse pagans to speak
and draw strength and insight from Norse gods.

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