Dude I just spent 12 hours yesterday researching the word 'seidr' and 'heidr' thanks for confirming this stuff for me. Your timing is divine.

When you like the video during the intro because you know it will be a great video.

The first half of the video really drove home to me how terrifyingly powerful Odin is. Really interesting to gain insight and ancient magic and old Norse culture, thank you!

You should do a breakdown of the concept of ergi. There's no direct correlation to English so it would be good to discuss. Also, side note, it actually comes up in the netflix show Norsemen which is a pretty hilarious take to be honest if you haven't seen it yet

You are by far, the best source for this information I have ever found. Considering the way people like to rewrite history to suite their interests, it's interesting to learn about such an old and overlooked source of information. These sorts of overlooked resources are usually frustratingly limited to people with the background knowledge for interpreting the language and meaning. Please don't ever stop.

5:36 if you're also translating ergi as sexual passivity, wouldn't that mean that the Norse had a similar veiw of homosexuality as the greco-romans, that being the active partner is okay but that the passive partner is being unmanly by acting in the role of a woman? So the best one word translation of argr would be "bottom", just with a footnote about how it's an insult and associated with general unmanliness. Also I find it very interesting that Odin, the king of the gods, practices seidr. It's a character flaw, but it's not bad enough to make him unworthy of worship or leadership. I feel like that gives the most interesting implications about gender conconformity in the Norse world. Like they have these gender norms, but the transgression of these norms is more tolerated.

Thank you for this video, it was very interesting :) Seiðr being considered a magical practice for women might have come from the use of the distaff as an object also used in magical practice and how it was used - the sexual conotations implicit in the form of the object itself. In Iceland there was a clear difference between Galdr and Seiðr. Galdr being practiced by men and being a practice more "honourable" than Seiðr. However, Galdr was one of the most important practices within Seiðr itself, as we can see in older poems and Scandinavian Folklore, including in Saami folklore, where the use of Song/Speech in most cases is the "key" factor in Seiðr, as in the examples we have in magical songs performed before the actual activity of Seiðr (varðlokkur).

Are there grounds for us to think that the Old Norse society conceived of sex purely as something men do to women, while the woman is simply doing nothing?

Yay!!!! Thank you Dr. Crawford!!! I'm super excited to listen to this :D

Ive been trying to find information of the seiðmaðr. 🖤 As a Pagan Witch. Thank you. 🖤

hey, thank you for this video!! it was super interesting, and i was pleasantly surprised to hear about tacitus on The Norse Channel. i'm going for a classics minor, so this was cool to hear about. keep doing what you're doing :)

I know you don’t have the time to answer, so hopefully some other student of Norse myth sees this and answers my question. So I believe in one video about the Norns you mention that the Norse word for fate (“auðna/auðr”) is possibly derived from an older word that has to do with weaving. Now, in this video you mention that seiðr might have something to do with divining fate. Now, correct me if I’m wrong, but traditionally weaving is seen as being an exclusively feminine activity. Usually, only women would weave clothes. Perhaps this contributes to the perception of seiðr as being feminine, because it has to do with weaving?

excellent video. I would love to know a link to the dicription of the Siethers clothing from Eric The Reds Saga.

I’ve been waiting for a crow or two to make an appearance in the background. Very nice video on a subject of which I was unaware.

Is the Volva's scaffold a raised platform, seat (throne) or maybe a gallows? A platform makes me think of Native American and Asian funeral platforms. The scaffolding as a gallows reminiscent of Odinn hanging on Yggdrassil.

Thanks for sharing your knowledge. It was very informative and very interesting. I will be watching your other videos.

Very interesting and enlightening video, it helped confirm my studies... thank you dr Crawford

Seiðr brought to mind the Finnish word seita for Sami holy place, but looking up the word in Sami languages (~siedi) the connection doesn't seem as close. But as witchcraft has been associated to Sami, it would be interesting to know how is it different. I should probably peek into Sirpa Aalto's dissertation and educate myself. Regarding the last words in the video, recent research to gendered work in the 1600's and so on have shown that at least in Sweden the division was not as clear cut as has been thought so it is worth considering that the sagas might also be describing the ideal as opposed to actual reality.

I think it'd be interesting to have more videos on gender roles in Old Norse society. I've never really grasped the whole idea of why ancient gender roles are so stark, and it is always an interesting conversation to have. Assuming everyone in the conversation can be civil, of course.

I forget which saga it comes from, but in Daniel McCoy's book The Viking Spirit he mentions that a man in combat who was targeted by seiðr felt his anus itch and nothing could stop it. McCoy cites this as evidence that seiðr is women's magic because the spirit penetrates through the anus and thus any man who practices or has seiðr practiced against him may be considered ergi. That seems silly compared to another explanation by Irina Manea that men had to use their own strength and not supplement it with magic which would show weakness.

Fascinating Fascinating Fascinating. Thank you

Fantastic! Prof, you’re incredibly good! Cheers 🥂

I fully realize that movies and television plotsre: Vikings are many times totally shifted from the Sources. With that said how accurate was the role of the "Seer" in the Vikings Series. Was that which he practiced Seidr or just Divination and was he too outwardly condemned but secretly sought after for his 'talents'?

Also would you ever do a video on your compilation of Stetsons?

In Grimm's Fairy Tales (a compilation of German folk tales passed down through generations orally hundreds of years ago) the magic includes the heroine spinning gold from straw yet it is the little man Rumpelstiltskin who performs the task itself.

I've been studying the Scythians a lot lately, along with apocryphal texts and Norse lore. In the Book of Jasher and in the Norse lore, I found stories I guess would fall into the category of necromancy. After Mimir was beheaded by the Vanir, Odin soaked his head in herbs, oil and salt. This allowed him to ask Mimir questions. In the book of Jasher, Jacob's uncle/father in law had similar heads in his home he used for divination. I feel this is one of the reasons this book was left out of the canon. The Scythians were called noble savages and barbarians which has a modern context of warlike, but actually comes a latin root meaning bearded e.g barber. Though they were very capable warriors, even the women, they were said to be extremely cultured people. They would sell heads and human skin. I suspect they sold them for divination talismans and i suspect that practice was relatively common even though i haven't read of it elsewhere, except the two places I cited earlier.

Herodotus describes the Scythians as divining by means of braiding willow wands. He describes them giving oracular prophecy as they braid the three pieces of willow together. Interestingly enough he describes them as androgynous and says it’s a hereditary role amongst the Scythians. They were called enarees. It was an orgiastic cult dedicated to the snake legged goddess which is similar to the Greek notion of the έχιδνα or she viper. The Orphic fragments also describe a Scythian priestess called σκυθα who had scales tattooed from breast to thigh. The Etruscans, latins and probably the Phrygians and Thracians also practiced oracular prophecy and it was also a sexual rite. The Anarya of the Scythians were also males who wore women’s clothes and were considered to have changed their gender which as echos of the cult of kybele. So the Germanic culture doesn’t seem unique in seeing this art as a feminine practice. A very fascinating subject indeed. Thanks for sharing your knowledge on the subject.

So, Seithr is divination and transmigration of appearance, abilities, and/or powers...?

"Dark" and "light" is a Christian view of seidr (or world view in general). Magic just is. It's power/energy -- neither dark or light, good or evil.

So... where does this leave the word "Erilaz", which I took to mean "Sorcerer", as used the song In Madijan by Heilung.

Maybe at some point I'll be able to get your published works for my husband to read. He IS heathen and he likes having many translations of these texts because he learns something new from each one. Alas, earlier this year he had a stroke, and while it is only his balance that was affected (he can read and speak and all that; that was unaffected) he has not been able to return to work. So he'll be going on disability soon. Believe me, he would rather return to work but we're not sure if his balance will allow him to go back to construction work. Nevertheless, I am so appreciative of these videos and so very sorry I can't make a donation by Patreon. I'm the only one with an income in our household right now, but I would do it if I could. Sending much love and appreciation from over here in the Sunshine State!

Is it possible that the Roman and other accounts were overly influenced by the famous descriptions of the Delphic oracles?

As a decendant of volvas on my (Finn-Swede) grandmother's side and rune-singers on my Finnish grandfather's side, I am so happy to have found your channel. I was raised on stories of the old traditions, mostly Finnish and Vanir. In Finnish tradition, there are so many different types of practitioners, and the types of Singers vary with what Words of Making they are taught. I hadn't realized the distinction of male/female magic, though I knew volvas were female. It's hard for me to sort out which came from what part of the family (I've been trying for decades), and your videos are helping.

Extremely helpful in an area I'm studying.

Your new hat is beautiful

I get the biggest kick out of getting to hear the birds hahaha. You have a video where a magpie had stolen you mic, and you show them at the end of the video. Seeing a magpie in real life has become somewhat of a bucket list item for me. My gramma had a painting of one in her house when I was a kid, and I was completely mesmerised by it. Anyway. Birds. haha

Is it possible to buy any of the sagas in book form in old norse?

Dude, Óðinn is keeping his -eyes- eye on you. You’re teaching everyone his secrets. P.S. Where is Jeff the God of Biscuits and how do I join his cult?

Thanks 😎😎😎

Triangulating a bit with Western and Chinese occult systems, I would suggest that the reason those practices may be viewed as "passive" is because they involve inviting spirits to possess one and speak through one. Generally with most magick, the theory is that there is a parallel plane or dimension (it has various names in different systems, it's called "the astral plane" in Western magick), which has denizens of its own, and the way to achieve magickal effects in this world is to somehow get the entities that have the magick power in that world to do one's bidding (by bargaining, cajoling, commanding, etc.). That would be the "male" way of doing magick; the "female" way, by contrast, would be inviting those entities to enter into your psyche and possess you, and let them speak through you. (Same sort of principle with the Greek oracles too - the oracle takes a "high seat," the god possesses her and speaks through her. The practice probably goes back to male and female styles of shamanism in the archaic Indo-European tribal context.)

Is there a potential connection between Odin and his 12 priests and Jesus are his disciples?

crazy stuff.. almost like a forbidden alchemical marriage..gender studies whoa..

Great video

Thank you so much!!!!

Would you please translate Ynglingatal? Not the Yngling Saga, but its predecessor which Snorri based his work on...

Dr. Crawford, as a modern Spa Kona, I would like to put forth a hypothesis regarding your ergi translation. The major difference between what I do and what a Völva does, is that they can perform Trance Prophecy. Trance prophecy is unique in that the Völva has to give in and allow a higher spirit to inhabit her body. During this process the Völva involved, takes a backseat in her own consciousness while a spirit (usually a god or goddess) takes over her body, can use it to walk around, or drink, or eat, or use the toilet, among other things. I know a Loki and friend of mine once had Loki "over" and he drank a bottle and a half of her good wine. Let me tell you she did not feel good the next day! That is why modern Völva tend to never trance alone to make sure nothing happens to them while they are not in control of the body. Thus I put forth the hypothesis that perhaps ergi isn't necessarily always sexual passivity but simply passivity itself. (The following is half joking:) I mean after all, come on what kind of " real man" let's some God take over his body? *Fake roll eyes * But in all seriousness I think it shows a real sense of trust and acceptance of not only the natural world but of every spirit and soul's place in the cosmos. If I ever met a man who could be that open-minded and open souled, I think it would be a real treat to talk to him and interact with him. But I suppose you shouldn't take my word on how attractive such a man would be. I, after all, think that metrosexuals are damn cute, and as we all know, a metrosexual is a guy who likes to groom and shave off certain parts of their body hair. And if that's not a modern definition for to feminine in most circles I don't know what is. (Guys that are in touch with their feminine side are hot!)

These concepts seem very laden with cultureal values as they relate to gender identity. Let me explain. It sounds like the "sexual passivity" associated with "seidr" or nonmanual labor, i.e. using the mind, such as with charm, delusion, witchcraft, sorcery, is weighed against the more direct approach of using hard physical labor to get things done. This may also require occupational skill and knowledge not available to women. I think physical strength (brute force, perhaps) was more respected although the Old Norse were happy to have the desired outcome using either method it seems. Just my guess from watching this video.

is it possible that the L and the N were interchangable like F and V ? I'm asking because today we call it Gand and not Gald

What is the etmyology of the word "fjölkyngi"?

I'm no PhD but could there have been an association between the act of receiving divine insight/knowledge of the future and receiving in a more intimate context, as far as why seidr and women were so intrinsically intertwined?

So cool!

6:45

So, one thing that was (oddly) not addressed here; if practicing seidr would be considered shameful for a man (ergi), then why was Odin not considered ergi for practicing it? This seems like a fundamental contradiction. Is it possible that this whole idea of the shameful passive "ergi" man was projected onto the mythology by the writers, who would have been influenced by christianity when writing centuries later?

I am curious as to the volva/ vulva connection . And the word free dom I'm connecting it to freya Goddess connected to seidr keeping us bound under spells and not liberated

4:22

What is the norse term for "magical lore" he mentions around 7m?

Seid was see bad for men maybe fact of the shamanic root. The term "riden" or to be submissive to spirits. Other term in shamanic work is you "become the horse". Trance work would seem to them as being controlled, and being a man you must always be in control. Wasn't it ok for a man in ancient times to participate in homosexuality as long as the he was the dominant persons? Correct me if I'm wrong. Thanks for all you do.

Probable caws for a murder (of crows)

What did the Vikings think of celibacy? It was common for shamans among other Indo-European groups to be celibate -- at least for a short while -- sometimes longer. Even today where testosterone levels are much lower, some "manly men" look down on celibate men but honor chastity in women.

Is (male) homosexuality itself condemned by Norse society/culture, or only being the passive/receiving end? As far as I've understood it seems like in most of pre-Christian Europe (at least in Greece and Rome) it was acceptable to have sex with men, but not to be penetrated and 'taking the female role'.

WHY was the word for god and priest the same?

So, could Odin be accused of ergi for his use of seidr?

I think no sexual acts were (and are!) needed to practise Seiðr. It was seen unmanly because traditionally it had been practised my women for such a long time. Just like spinning, weaving or making cheese would be seen as unmanly.

I urge you to listen to History with Hilbert's video on ergi and homosexuality. He shows evidence - and I believe solid reasoning - that the negative view toward men practicing seigr (or however its spelled) only came about following Christian influence - yet previous to that it was a non-issue.

Given the association of seidr with fate or urd, the Norse concept of fate must have been deeply associated with female sexuality. I wonder then if male sexuality was, in a sense, an act which could win you favor with fate.

Hjallur is our name for an outhouse/keep

Gender, or sex?

As a Swedish seidrwoman I really do not feel that you are connected to What you are talking about. To actually do the practice of Seidr gives a deep feeling of Connection that the mind Can’t embrace. You know a lot of facts, that’s One perspective but … as a recommendation for your journey in this field I strongly would recommend that you start to practice What you talk about. That would give you deeper knowledge and great deapth. Wish you all the best putting your head under your arm and dive into the mystery of your knowledge. New adventures is waiting in the thread and let the Nornes weave. Drop everything you know and then talk to us. Hell!

First of all: All the sagas was written down in times, seidr and its culture was way long on the way downstairs. On top all the writings are strong influenced by upcoming christianity. I recomend to keep that two facts in mind, if you think, this is all "correct" in terms of "how it really was". Because its surely not. Second: The word "ergi" means LOTS more than only "unmanly sexuality" ore something like this. The big theme hier is'nt "sexuality". Its first and foremost "DIRTYNESS". Not verry surprising to me, that mans, who simply use secret, hidden and on top dangerous methods of sorcery, maybe are quick accused of beeing "ergi", so in other words "dirty" and "unmanly". Especially in a society, that favourises the open warriormind for a mans way of living so strong. I think, thats the important cause of the idea "mans, who are doing seidr are 'not manly'". Its not (!) only about "homosexuality". Third: Even in the verry reduced texts about this old cultures there are still enough hints, that a lot of man was practicing seidr. So the conclusion "seidr is a woman only thing" is wrong. On top nobody, really NOBODY knows exactly, what was going on in the older times, long bevor the end of the culture and the flooding over by christianity. There are such a lot of possibilitys, how it really was, so nobody will ever be able to know nowadays. Its seductive to think "there are facts in the sagas and all this stuff - and thats enough to reconstruct". In my opinion: All we can say nowadays about man, practicing seidr in the ancient times (better: PARTS of the ancient times): Its highly likely, that they was not so respected, as woman. Because thats, what we can expect from a martial and warrior fixated society like that. And thats all. Every word more here is speculating. No problem by that - but call it what it is: speculative. Its not "factbased", because this handfull of sagas and stuff from later times cant provide enough real facts.

Killing people and weakening them with magic is pretty cowardly so it's easy to see why it's considered unmanly. Also with how much power women had in society from seidr it's not hard to see why they would encourage it to be woman only

I don't know any 'homosexuals' who are cowardly or weak.

I wonder why the Norse people were against men practicing it if Odin practices it.

Sooooo, Thor is considered argr after wearing women's clothing when he went to the giants with Loki?

Yet Loki switched gender , (and species! Great video...thanks.

So basically, vikings were not better or more "progressive" than the christians in terms of sexuality and gender roles. Some people are assuming vikings to be more including, but based on what you have said (from this and other videos) I can think that maybe vikings were as bad as everyone else in Europe at the time. I am still not sure if they allowed women to be warriors (btw I know about the female warrior tombs which have been found, I am only discussing if vikings were rly that much better than christians in terms of gender roles etc). So maybe alot of people, especially in the fantasy genre in litterature and games/movies, need to take a bit more critical look at how they portray ancient nordic societies. V

I'm early :)

I'm second early...

sensed a little christian polution there. unfortunately most texts, like the havamal, sufered from that....

So incels are magic?

the Seiðr would teach their sons magic

Its not a woman practice ...its a quality capacity of the feminine. Men have a harder time to connect to the feminine but they can certainly do it

Seid was probably some kind of ritual sadomasochistic nastiness, with drugs and crossdressing and whatnot, which isn't quite compatible with the warrior code. That side of Odin has always been scary, perhaps even more scary than his god of warfare and violent death status. The subject matter itself -- removed from mythology and studied as a set of performative actions, on their own merit as sexual idiosyncrasies -- continues to frighten and repell people to this very day.