A3 Refereed book chapter or chapter in a compilation book

Seiðr and ergi: limited sources, diverse explanations




AuthorsWillson, Kendra

EditorsKuusela, Tommy; Ingunn Ásdísardóttir

Publication year2026

Book title Women and goddesses in Old Norse mythology and folklore

Series titleActa Scandinavica

Number in series15

First page 44

Last page77

ISBN978-2-503-61466-3

eISBN978-2-503-61467-0

ISSN2466-586X

eISSN2565-9170

Publication's open availability at the time of reportingNo Open Access

Publication channel's open availability No Open Access publication channel


Abstract

Snorri Sturluson states in Ynglinga saga Chapter 7 that the type of magic known as seiðr, listed as one of Óðinn's skills, is attended by such ergi (unmanliness or perversity) that it is considered hazardous to a male practitioner. Other passages that have also been taken to indicate that seiðr is argr involve hapax legomena or difficult words or else concern the topic only indirectly. Many attempts have been made to explain the ergi of seiðr and reconcile this with its association with Óðinn. Some of these draw on the disputed association between seiðr and shamanism. Scholars have understood ergi in different ways, which seem to reflect the gender discourses of the scholars' own time.



Last updated on 23/03/2026 09:52:51 AM