Symbols of the Vikings - Myth and Truth


Book Description

Symbols of the Vikings - Myth and Truth: A revelation of Icelandic magic, its roots and the misconceptions of today Immerse yourself in the world of Norse symbols and discover the true story behind the mysterious signs that are often mistakenly referred to as "Viking symbols" today. Vegvísir, Ægishjálmur and many other of these fascinating symbols have gained unprecedented popularity in modern esotericism and pop culture. But the truth about their origins is far more complex and profound than it seems at first glance. This book sheds light on the historical roots of the Galdrastafir, the magical symbols used in Icelandic magic in modern times. With an in-depth look at Icelandic culture and history, it shows that these signs do not originate from the Viking Age, but are products of a later era that was heavily influenced by Christianity. Learn how these symbols came to be, what role they played in Icelandic magic and how they are often misunderstood and reinterpreted today. The book exposes modern myths and misconceptions and offers valuable insights into the true meaning and cultural context of these fascinating symbols. For readers interested in Norse mythology, Icelandic culture and the history of magic, this book is essential reading. It sheds light on the dark corners of the past and shows how these ancient symbols live on in our modern world - and how we can use them respectfully and consciously.




Aegishjalmur


Book Description

A curriculum of runic study which uses the myth of Sigurd the Volsung to awaken the powers of the Northern Dragon within the psyche of the student. Uses the same highly effective and transfromative pattern of Draconian Initiation first developed in the author's previous book 'Apophis', here adapted exclusively to runic lore.




The Ásatrú Edda


Book Description

From the ashes arises the sacred lore of the North, the ancient stories and proverbial wisdom of the satr religion. Mighty Gods and fierce Giants battle in the never-ending struggle between order and chaos, while men seek honor and glory in the eyes of their beloved deities. After many years of research and piecing together sources, now comes the first known holy text ever presented for the satr faith. Giving these ancestral accounts in their true, epic form, The satr Edda is designed as a religious work by and for the men and women of this path. In reconstructing this sacred epic, the idea is to create a living storytelling tradition that will honor the legacy of the ancient Teutonic peoples, while providing an in-depth source of satr wisdom for our modern world.




Valkyrie


Book Description

LONGLISTED FOR THE 2020 CUNDILL HISTORY PRIZE Valkyries: the female supernatural beings that choose who dies and who lives on the battlefield. They protect some, but guide spears, arrows and sword blades into the bodies of others. Viking myths about valkyries attempt to elevate the banality of war – to make the pain and suffering, the lost limbs and deformities, the piles of lifeless bodies of young men, glorious and worthwhile. Rather than their death being futile, it is their destiny and good fortune, determined by divine beings. The women in these stories take full part in the power struggles and upheavals in their communities, for better or worse. Drawing on the latest historical and archaeological evidence, Valkyrie introduces readers to the dramatic and fascinating texts recorded in medieval Iceland, a culture able to imagine women in all kinds of roles carrying power, not just in this world, but pulling the strings in the other-world, too. In the process, this fascinating book uncovers the reality behind the myths and legends to reveal the dynamic, diverse lives of Viking women.




The Wanderer's Havamal


Book Description

The Wanderer's Hávamál features Jackson Crawford’s complete, carefully revised English translation of the Old Norse poem Hávamál, newly annotated for this volume, together with facing original Old Norse text sourced directly from the Codex Regius manuscript. Rounding out the volume are Crawford’s classic Cowboy Hávamál and translations of other related texts central to understanding the character, wisdom, and mysteries of Óðinn (Odin). Portable and reader-friendly, it makes an ideal companion for both lovers of Old Norse mythology and those new to the wisdom of this central Eddic poem wherever they may find themselves.




The Saga of the Volsungs


Book Description

From the translator of the bestselling Poetic Edda (Hackett, 2015) comes a gripping new rendering of two of the greatest sagas of Old Norse literature. Together the two sagas recount the story of seven generations of a single legendary heroic family and comprise our best source of traditional lore about its members—including, among others, the dragon-slayer Sigurd, Brynhild the Valkyrie, and the Viking chieftain Ragnar Lothbrok.




Icelandic Magic - Aims, Tools and Techniques of the Icelandic Sorcerers


Book Description

In this unprecedented work, the author Christopher A. Smith has meticulously studied no less than 6 original Icelandic manuscripts dating from 1500 to 1860 to extract a picture of the aims, tools and techniques of Icelandic sorcerers. Set against the context of the harsh economic, social and environmental conditions of this North Atlantic island, the book gives a detailed account of the types of spells that were used and the motivations behind them. Hundreds of items from the six books of magic have been analysed to present the reader with a clear idea of the methods that were used, including incantation, invocation of deities and use of the enigmatic magical staves (galdrastafir). Furthermore, the book goes into great detail concerning the physical tools used by magicians and the kinds of objects that might have been found in a sorcerer's 'toolbox'. The book is illustrated throughout with images from the original manuscripts. Although it is not intended by any means as a book of instruction, one chapter does focus on workings of certain types and gives suggestions for those brave enough to try them out. All in all, this work will be an indispensable item for anyone interested in the history of magic in general and of Icelandic magic in particular.




The Galdrabók


Book Description

THE GALDRABOK, or Book of Magic, is the most important single document for understanding the practice of magic in late medieval Iceland. In this translation, the author discusses books of the black art, old gods, daemons of hell, runes and magical signs, theory and practice of magic.




The Volsunga Saga


Book Description




The Galdrabók


Book Description

This is a new translation and edition of the book of Icelandic magic first published by Samuel Weiser in 1989. The book has been out of print for several years, and this second edition includes a completely revised translation and the explanatory notes have been doubled. The text consists of a substantial topical introduction that covers the history, theory and practice of magic in Iceland in the medieval and early modern periods. This is followed by the translation of the Galdrabók itself with copious explanatory notes. There are also a number of appendices which contain magical material from other Icelandic books of magic as well as spells from other Germanic areas.