Volva: The Viking prophetesses who could see the future
The Völva is a fascinating spiritual and magical figure in Norse mythology. Read on to find out more.
Image: Illustration of Veleda, a seeress from the early 1st century | Public Domain
In the age of the Vikings, one of the most significant figures within society was the Völva. These women were thought to have the ability to see the future, and were often referred to as a 'seeress' or 'prophetess'.
These women were also thought to be practitioners of dangerous magic. This magic was considered an art form and known as Seiðr. They had ties to the spiritual world and were believed to converse with spirits and see the threads of fate itself. In this Sky HISTORY article, we’ll take a closer look at the legend of the Völva and how they came to be.
Who were the Völva?
As mentioned, the Völva – pronounced 'vul-va' – were mysterious women in Norse mythology who were strongly connected to magic. Their most notable skill was believed to be their ability to foretell the future. The term itself translates roughly to 'staff carrier' or 'wand-bearer'. This refers to the ritual staff that the Völva would often carry with them, which was an authoritarian symbol.
The Völva women tended to be older and were isolated figures. Some were widowers while some were simply solitary people who lived away from mainstream society. They were respected and regarded highly in Viking society, but many also feared them for their apparent powers.
The powers of the Völva
These powers were believed to have come from a connection to a form of Norse magic called 'Seiðr'. This magic was thought to reveal lies and manipulate the fates. These skills led the Völva to be consulted in times of uncertainty, such as during wars or times of crisis.
Other magic that the Völva were believed to wield included crafting nightmares, creating storms, and casting love charms. They could also heal and invoke spirits. This spirit invocation is what allowed them to predict the future, as when performing it, the Völva would enter a trance where she would become suspended between the human and spirit realm. Here, she would be able to predict the future.
The Völva were also well known for their attire, as well as the aforementioned ritual staffs they carried. They often dressed in colourful outfits made up of various animal skins. They would also have talismans attached to them around their waist.
The origins of the Völva
The Völva origins are hard to trace back to an exact date, but it is thought that their roots go back to pre-Christian Germanic society. It is also believed that the Völva were an expression of the shamanistic traditions that were present throughout Europe during this time.
One of the first and most well-known Völva was Freyja, the goddess of magic, but also the Vanir goddess of love, battle and sex. She was the first to practice Seiðr magic and teach it to the Aesir (the gods of Germanic paganism). Freyja encapsulates the vision of the divine magic-wielding seeress, and the Völva adopted this archetype.
The Völva in Norse stories
One of the most famous examples of the Völva in Norse literature is a reference within the poem 'Völuspá', which translates to 'The Prophecy of the Seeress'. This poem tells the story of a Völva who converses with Odin, the All-Father. She recites the world's history to him as well as how it will end one day. The Völva offers details of Ragnarök, a well-known series of apocalyptic events in Norse mythology that leads to the death of the gods before the world is reborn.
Another well-known piece of Norse literature that involves a Völva is the 'Saga of Erik the Red'. In the story, a Völva named Thorbjorg travels around various Norse settlements in Greenland. She is asked to attend a winter feast in the village, where she prophesies that the raging famine and harsh winter will come to an end.
The suppression of the Völva
When Christianity ran rampant through Scandinavia, the role of the Völva was suppressed. However, they maintained respect and even worship despite the attempts to quash the tradition entirely.
The Völva is a fascinating and enduring figure in Norse mythology, but also one thought to have existed in reality. In Denmark, a Norse burial site exists that is thought to contain the remains of a Völva who has been dubbed the 'Seeress of Fyrkat'. She received this title as she was buried with particular items that suggest she had a prowess for sorcery.
Whether or not these figures existed in Norse history, or whether they truly had specific abilities, is impossible to know entirely. What we do know is that the Völva are so interesting that they have continued to be relevant in pop culture, literature, and beyond.
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