Sejd and galdr — Magic and divination in the everyday life of the Vikings

Sejd and galdr were magical rites and songs that the Vikings used to influence fate, protect the family, or call upon the help of the gods. Sejd could include divination, prayer, and ceremonies, and it was often practiced by völvas and seers who had special knowledge of the unseen forces.

Völvars traveled between villages and sacrificial sites, and their rituals could foretell the future, cure illnesses, or provide advice for important decisions. Galdr, on the other hand, was voice or rune magic , where songs and formulas had the power to influence both people and nature. These rituals could be both powerful and dangerous , as they contacted forces that could bring both blessing and misfortune.

Sejd and galdr were not only practical – they were also symbols of the Vikings' understanding of the world, where human will and fate interacted with the power of the gods. Magical rituals were often held at sacred places , such as groves, springs or runestones, and could be combined with offerings or symbolic actions.

The stories of sejd and galdr show how myth, magic and everyday life lived side by side in Viking culture. The knowledge of the völva and the power of the runes were a link between man and the gods, and provided security in a life filled with uncertainties.