The Viking Age Seer Women: A Glimpse into the Volva's World

Magic, Mysticism, and Power in Norse Society

The Hardraade Viking Ship Association has received a beautiful volva figure from Elle Bjønness: She has both designed and created this mystical lady - a big thank you to you Elle!  

In the mystical world of the Viking Age, where gods and humans lived side by side, a special group of women played an important role: the volvas.

These seeresses, with their mystical abilities and deep wisdom, were advisors to kings, healers of the sick, and spiritual guides for the people. Their words could determine fates, their knowledge could save lives, and their insight into the unseen gave them a unique position in Norse society.

And, believe it or not, they still exist to this day!

Eirik The Reds Saga

In the Saga of Erik the Red, from around 1200, the story is told of the völva Thorbjørg in Greenland. She was called "Little Völva" and was known for her prophecies. Every winter, she traveled from farm to farm and visited people who longed to know what the future would bring.

In the year 999, a violent storm raged over Greenland. The wealthy farmer Thorkel wanted to know when the storm would end and sent for Thorbjørg. When she arrived at the farm, she was received with great respect. A high seat, decorated with beautiful carvings, was erected in her honor, and soft cushions in strong colors, stuffed with chicken feathers, were placed on the seat. She was served porridge made from goat's milk and a dish of hearts from all the animals on the farm.

To get in contact with the spirit world, Thorbjørg asked if any of the women could sing vardlokker - magic songs that were used to awaken the beings of the underworld.

The mistress of the house, Gudrid, explained that she had not learned witchcraft, but that her foster mother in Iceland had taught her a song called vardlokker. Gudrid, who now considered herself a Christian, was unsure whether she should sing such a song, but Thorbjørg assured her that it would not harm her. Gudrid then sang the vardlokker in a beautiful voice, and a spellbinding silence fell over the room.

The volva closed her eyes and listened intently. When Gudrid had finished, Thorbjørg said that many spirits had flocked to them and that she could now see into the future.

The storm would be over by spring, she assured them. She also predicted that Gudrid would have descendants to be proud of. Then the men went one by one to the völva and got answers to their questions.

Most of her prophecies are said to have come true.

Thorbjørg went on to the neighboring farm to share her visions with more people. In the spring of 1000, the weather soon improved, as she had predicted.

The Hidden Power of the Viking Age: The Wisdom of the Volva

In the icy landscapes of the Viking Age, amidst the clang of swords and the roar of the sea, another kind of power was revered: the power to see the future, the ability to pierce the veil of what is to come and communicate with the unseen.

This power was held by the volvas, the Norse seeresses. These women were not just oracles; they were healers, advisors, and spiritual guides, their wisdom sought after by everyone from farmers to kings. Their legacy, etched in sagas and whispered in folklore, continues to fascinate and intrigue us to this day.

Secrets of the Volva: When Archaeology and Sagas Whisper Together

While written sources from the Viking Age are scarce, archaeological finds and later sagas offer tantalizing glimpses into the lives of these enigmatic Viking age seer women.

Their graves, often richer than those of ordinary women, contained objects that hint at their unique status.

The Staff: The Volva's World in the Viking Age

Perhaps the most iconic symbol of the volva was her staff. These staffs, sometimes made of iron or wood, were likely more than just walking sticks.

They may have been used in rituals, to channel spiritual energy, or as symbols of authority.

The volva, Velle will first be placed at the Volunteer House in Hønefoss, before eventually getting her permanent place as protector of the Viking ship at Sundvollen.

A remarkable find is a beautifully carved wooden staff discovered in a woman's grave in Norway, with the top adorned with a bronze figurine of a horse, possibly symbolizing the volva's ability to travel between worlds.

The Clothing Attire

The sagas describe volvas as wearing distinctive clothing, often adorned with symbols and talismans.

Grave Goods

Other objects found in völva graves include knives, herbs, and amulets, suggesting their involvement in healing and magic.

Some graves also contain animal remains, particularly of birds, which may have been seen as spirit guides or messengers.

Where does the word "Volva" come from?

The word "volva" itself is shrouded in mystery. It is believed to be derived from the Old Norse word "völr", which means "staff" or "wand".

This connection reinforces the importance of the staff as a symbol of the völva's power and her role as an intermediary between the worlds.

Another theory suggests a link to the word "velja", which means "to choose", hinting at the völva's ability to discern the threads of fate and guide people toward their destiny.

More than just seers - the volva's role in society:

The volva's role in Viking Age society extended far beyond simply predicting the future.

They were consulted on a wide range of matters, from love and marriage to warfare and politics. Their wisdom was valued by both individuals and communities, and their pronouncements could carry significant weight.

Advisors to the Powerful:

Kings and chieftains often sought the advice of völvas before making important decisions.

Their ability to foresee the outcome of battles or alliances could be invaluable in a world where survival often depended on strategic choices.

Healers and Midwives:

Volvas were also skilled in the art of healing, using herbs, rituals, and incantations to treat illnesses and injuries.

They may also have assisted in childbirth, offering protection to both mother and child.

Spiritual Guides:

Perhaps most importantly, volvas acted as spiritual guides, connecting people to the unseen world and helping them navigate the complexities of life and death.

They performed rituals, interpreted dreams, and offered comfort in times of hardship.

Mythology and Religion: How do the volvas (Viking age seer women) relate to Norse mythology?

The volvas were deeply connected to Norse mythology and religion, and their practices were closely intertwined with the world of the gods.

The volvas acted as a link between humans and gods, and could communicate with the divine powers through seer, a form of trance or ecstasy.

Goddesses like Freyja, associated with seer, fertility, and love, and Odin, god of wisdom, magic, and death, were central figures for the volvas. Odin himself practiced seer, and the volvas often sought his guidance and knowledge.

Through seer, the volvas could journey into the spirit world, prophesy the future, heal the sick, and influence the weather.

Seer was a powerful, but also dangerous practice, and the volvas had to have a thorough knowledge of rituals and precautions to avoid negative consequences. Their role in society was to convey the will of the gods and help people navigate life's challenges with the support of the divine powers.

What was seer? How was it practiced?

Seer was a mysterious and complex practice in the Viking Age, a form of magic that involved trance, divination, and manipulation of the world around them.

The volvas, those who practiced seer, used chanting, drumming, and special rituals to achieve an altered state of consciousness and journey into the spirit world. There, they could communicate with gods and spirits, obtain information about the future, heal the sick, and even influence the weather.

Seer was not without its risks, however. It required great knowledge and control, and incorrect execution could lead to exhaustion, madness, or even death.

Some also believed that seer could be misused to harm others, to manipulate or curse. This potential dark side, combined with the fact that seer challenged traditional gender roles (men who practiced seer were often looked down upon), meant that the practice was met with skepticism and fear by some in Viking society.

The Volva's Lasting Legacy

The volvas legacy extends far beyond the Viking Age. Their image continues to inspire artists, writers, and musicians, and their stories are retold in countless books and films.

They represent a powerful archetype: the wise woman, the seer, the guardian of ancient knowledge. In a world increasingly dominated by technology and rationality, the völva reminds us of the enduring power of intuition, spirituality, and the mysteries that lie beyond our understanding.

The volvas were more than just fortune tellers; they were integral members of Viking Age society, their wisdom and power shaping the course of lives and communities.

Their legacy, preserved in sagas, folklore, and archaeological finds, continues to captivate and inspire us today. As we delve into their world, we are reminded of the enduring human fascination with the unknown and the power of those who dared to bridge the two worlds.

Meet Hilde: Hardraade's Seer Woman and Secret Weapon

The Hardraade Viking Ship Association has received fantastic news: The völva Hilde has decided to become our great protector and seer!

Hilde is a true child of nature with a unique ability to "see" people, and this gift will surely benefit everyone in Hardråde. Imagine the strength it gives us to have such a wise woman by our side!

A prophecy of good times for the Hardraade Viking Ship Association!

With this volva sitting on the queen's throne, ready to share her wisdom and see into the future, exciting times await Hardraade!

Kjærringa med staven!

We are naturally very excited about her tales of what awaits us. Will the ship be launched on time? Perhaps she will choose to reveal secrets about who will find love, or what challenges we must prepare for?

The Hardaade Viking Ship Association faces a bright future. But, we must all behave ourselves.

No one wants to experience the volvas wrath; it could be disastrous for our project.

Imagining the mystical world of the völva in the Viking Age is like peering into a past filled with magic and mystery. Who wouldn't have wanted to be an invisible spectator to their powerful rituals and journeys into the spirit world?