Seiðr and ergi: limited sources, diverse explanations




Willson, Kendra

Kuusela, Tommy; Ingunn Ásdísardóttir

2026

Women and goddesses in Old Norse mythology and folklore

Acta Scandinavica

15

44

77

978-2-503-61466-3

978-2-503-61467-0

2466-586X

2565-9170



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