VÖLVA The Norse Witches: In Viking lore, great warriors, explorers, and conquerors dominate the narrative, but one crucial group has been mostly forgotten: the Völva, powerful witches who guided and protected the Vikings with their magical abilities. These women were instrumental to the success of Viking raids, settlements, and survival. Often referred to as the “forgotten Vikings,” the Völva were much more than spiritual advisors—they were the key to Viking victory and prosperity, using ancient magic known as Seidr.
Who Were the Völva?
The Völva were highly respected witches and priestesses who wielded tremendous influence within Viking society. They practiced Seidr, a type of magic associated with both prophecy and manipulation of fate. These witches communicated with gods, nature, and spirits to gain insight into the future, help with healing, and ensure the success of Viking expeditions. The word "Völva" translates to "staff-bearer," as they typically carried a sacred staff, symbolizing their power and connection to the unseen world.
While modern depictions often paint Vikings as purely brutal warriors, the presence of a Völva on a journey would help ensure victory in battle and safe return home. Their powers stretched beyond mere spells—they could predict weather, calm seas, and even curse enemies, making them an invaluable resource for any Viking fleet setting sail.
Vikings Needed Their Witches
Viking voyages were fraught with peril—hostile lands, harsh seas, and unpredictable weather. Having a Völva onboard was not only a symbol of divine favor but also practical insurance for survival. The Völva were consulted before any major journey or raid. They would perform rituals to seek favorable omens, ensure safe travel, and bless warriors with protection. Their ability to communicate with the gods allowed them to invoke divine assistance, a powerful asset in a society where belief in fate was paramount.
One of the most well-documented practices was the blót, a sacrificial ritual where the Völva would offer blood or other items to the gods to ask for protection and victory. Whether predicting the weather, blessing weapons, or cursing enemies, the Völva’s magic often made the difference between life and death, success and failure.
The Success Rate and Impact
While it's difficult to quantify the exact "success rate" of Viking expeditions due to the passing of time, it's clear from Norse sagas and historical texts that those accompanied by Völva were believed to have divine protection. The success of many Viking raids, such as those in England, France, and the Mediterranean, is partially attributed to the spiritual guidance and protection provided by these witches.
The Vikings themselves believed in their necessity. If a journey was not blessed by a Völva or a positive omen received, many warriors would refuse to go to battle. Their trust in magic wasn’t mere superstition—it was a deeply ingrained part of their worldview, influencing every decision.
The Völva also ensured that Viking society thrived on a day-to-day basis. While the warriors were off raiding, the Völva performed rituals to protect crops, heal the sick, and ensure peace at home. Their reach extended beyond warfare into agriculture, family life, and community well-being. These witches were essential to maintaining balance and prosperity in Viking society.
The Forgotten Role
Despite their influence, the Völva have been largely erased from popular history. The image of the male Viking warrior overshadows the pivotal role that these witches played. When we think of Viking success, we think of ships and swords, but we forget about the rituals, chants, and spells cast by the Völva before every major journey. These women, though often working in the shadows, had an undeniable hand in the expansion of Viking influence across Europe.
The Völva’s contributions weren't just mystical—they also had strategic importance. Their magic helped predict enemy movements, weather conditions, and other unpredictable factors that often led to disaster for unprepared Viking fleets. In this way, the Völva were akin to modern-day intelligence officers—critical but unseen.
Seidr: The Power Behind the Magic
At the heart of the Völva’s magic was Seidr, an ancient form of Norse shamanism. This practice involved entering a trance-like state to communicate with spirits, see the future, and manipulate the elements. The Völva’s ability to wield Seidr was unique—few in Viking society were trained in these arts, and it was primarily women who held this power.
Seidr was not simply “witchcraft” in the modern sense—it was a deeply respected art that could control life and death, victory and defeat. Odin himself, the chief Norse god, was said to have practiced Seidr, learning it from the goddess Freyja. This made the Völva even more important in a society that worshipped these gods.
The Legacy
Today, the Völva are often overlooked when discussing Viking history, but their magic was as essential to Viking success as swords and ships. Without their guidance, blessings, and sacrifices, many Viking expeditions would not have been possible, or at the very least, far more challenging.
The next time we reflect on Viking triumphs, we must remember the powerful witches who stood alongside the warriors, shaping the fate of the Norse people through their unseen but potent magic. Their legacy may not be as widely known, but their impact is undeniable. They truly were the "forgotten Vikings"—silent, powerful, and essential to the very heart of Norse success.