Infopanel 12

Magic

The Vikings attempted to use established rituals to persuade otherworldly powers to serve mankind. This specifically Scandinavian form of magic was known as seiðr, although descriptions of alleged Viking-era rituals are not a reliable source.

On the other hand, the widespread use of amulets in the Viking Age clearly falls under the category of magic. It continued to be practiced for centuries even after Christianization. In addition to small images of gods, amulets usually consisted of incantations written on small pieces of parchment, small wooden sticks, or metal plates. The material was very important. Lead was considered to ward off harm, which is why it was often sewn into clothing, while parchment strips or small pieces of wood were used in childbirth, which were tied around the thighs of the woman in labor.