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seidh

seidh

9.9
An Old Norse magic ritual often performed by women who told the future
  • noun
  • /seɪð/
  • Archaic
: seidh
  • Historians have found evidence of seidh ceremonies in several Viking burial sites.

Examples

  • Many scholars believe that seidh was practiced mostly by women known as völvas.

  • Today, some modern pagans attempt to reconstruct seidh rituals in their spiritual practices.

  • The ancient practice of seidh fascinated historians.

  • In Norse mythology, seidh was often associated with the goddess Freyja.

  • Historians have found evidence of seidh ceremonies in several Viking burial sites.

  • Many scholars believe that seidh was practiced mostly by women known as völvas.

  • Today, some modern pagans attempt to reconstruct seidh rituals in their spiritual practices.

Synonyms

sorcery
vsseidh
  • Literature
24 9.2

To use magic to control people or events, often to harm

describes a cultural historical practice rather than general evil magic
seidr
vsseidh
  • Archaic
9.9

A kind of Old Norse magic used for telling the future and changing events

focuses more on shamanistic methods than on causing change
seid
vsseidh
  • Literature
9.9

Old Norse magic used in ceremonies to enter trance and see the future

refers specifically to the Late Scandinavian Iron Age not later Viking times
seidhr
vsseidh
  • Archaic
9.9

A Norse type of magic that uses rituals and trance to see the future

emphasizes broader shamanistic practices rather than ritual detail
seithr
vsseidh
  • Archaic
9.9

A kind of magic in old Norse times used to see the future and make people enter a trance

is broader, including shamanistic practices beyond trance and prophecy
seith
vsseidh
  • Archaic
9.9

Magic used by ancient Norse people in rituals to tell the future

is broader, highlighting general shamanistic methods not only rituals and prophecy
goety
vsseidh
  • Archaic
9.9

Old word for magic that uses spirits

refers to a specific Old Norse shamanistic practice rather than general archaic magic

Surface Forms

seidh singular
seidhs plural

Etymology

The word seidh comes from the old Norse word seiðr, which meant 'a kind of magic' used in ritual and shaman-like practice. It was often done by women seers in Viking times, so a helpful way to remember seidh is 'Viking ritual magic', which explains why the word means old Norse sorcery today.