Seidkona - Terminology and Etymology

Terminology and Etymology

The etymology of seiðr is unclear, but related words in Old High German (see German Saite, used both in string instruments and in bows) and Old English are related to 'cord, string,' or 'snare, cord, halter' and there is a line in verse 15 of the skaldic poem 'Ragnarsdrápa' that uses seiðr in that sense. However, it is not clear how this derivation relates to the practice of seiðr. It has been suggested that the use of a cord in attraction may be related to seiðr, where attraction is one element of the practice of seiðr magic described in Norse literature and with witchcraft in Scandinavian folklore. However, if seiðr involved 'spinning charms', that would explain the distaff, a tool used in spinning flax or sometimes wool, that appears to be associated with seiðr practice.

Old English terms cognate with 'seiðr' are 'siden' and 'sidsa', both of which are attested only in contexts which suggest that they were used by elves ('ælfe'); these seem likely to have meant something similar to 'seiðr'. Among the Old English words for practitioners of magic are 'wicca' (m.) or 'wicce' (f.), the etymons of Modern English 'witch'.

Seið involved the incantation of spells ('galðrar'; sing. 'galðr') and possibly a circular dance. Practitioners of seid were predominantly women ('völva', or 'seiðkona', lit. 'seid woman'), although there were male practitioners ('seiðmaðr', lit. "seid man") as well.

These female practitioners were religious leaders of the Viking community, and usually required the help of other practitioners to invoke their deities, gods, or spirits. The seidr ritual required not just the powers of a female spiritual medium, but of the spiritual participation of other women within the Norse community. It was indeed a 'communal' effort. As they are described in a number of other Scandinavian sagas, Eiriks saga rauda in particular, the female practitioners connected with the spiritual realm through chanting and prayer. Viking texts suggest that the seidr ritual was used in times of inherent crisis, as a tool used in the process of seeing into the future, and for cursing and hexing one's enemies. With that said, it could have been used for great good or destructive evil, as well as for daily guidance.