Witchcraft in Iceland: A Historical Overview

Introduction

Iceland has a deeply rooted tradition of witchcraft, persisting through Christianization.
Magic was a tool for everyday survival, not just on the fringes of society.
Unlike other developed nations, pagan practices survived and evolved with Christianity in Iceland.
Access to medieval spellbooks and procedures is available today.

9th Century: King Harold Fairhair attempts to unify Norway under a Christian-style monarchy.
Settlement: Norwegians, seeking freedom, settle in Iceland with their Celtic slaves.
Government Structure: No single king; local priest chieftains ruled and met annually at the Althing (Iceland's National Parliament).
Law: Little central authority; crimes often resolved through outlawry or wergild (monetary compensation).

Early settlers brought a Germanic-based heathenism: worship of gods like Odin, Freya, etc.
Celtic slaves likely had ties to Christianity.
Paganism dominant; sorcery integral with two types:
- Galder: Honor-based, linked to consciousness and runes.
- Seidr: Trance-like, shamanistic.
Runes: Used in magic through carving, blood coloring, and incantations.

1000 AD: Most of Northern Europe Christianized, but Iceland resisted deeply-rooted pagan traditions.
1030: Gradual acceptance of Christianity; sacrifices and practices continued privately.
1090s-1100s: Iceland saw a Golden Age of literature and culture, combining pagan and Christian elements.
Icelandic Christianity retained elements like polygamy and witchcraft even among church members.
Protestant Reformation (early 1500s): Iceland pressured by Denmark to adopt Protestantism; resisted for years.

1617: King Christian IV of Denmark outlaws magic; Witch Trials spread in Denmark but slowly in Iceland.
1625-1683: 170 accused, 21 executed, mostly men unlike the rest of Europe where women were targeted.
Kirky Bowl Affair (1655-1660): Lengthy trial involving accusations of witchcraft, showcasing Icelandic justice system.

Galdrabók: Famous Icelandic spellbook with 47 spells; blends pagan and Christian elements.
Skinna: Dark magic, written in runes and Roman alphabet, evinced damning consequences for readers.

Protection Spells: Most common; for safeguarding against harm, thieves, and bad luck.
Malevolent Spells: Includes causing mischief and harm, such as killing livestock and love spells.
Christian Influence: Many spells invoke Christian and pagan gods, showing the blend of religious practices.

Founded in 1972: Significant membership, largest non-Christian religion although a minority.
Practices: Reveres ancient Icelandic culture and nature; less dogma, more tradition.
Controversy: Condemned use by hate groups; actual Icelandic Ásatrú promotes open-mindedness.

Harsh Environment: Iceland's unforgiving land necessitated practical magic for survival.
Magic Accessibility: Magic was not elite; common people practiced it due to the challenging living conditions.
Cultural Conservatism: Christianity, education, and literary traditions kept old practices and knowledge alive.

Resilience: Icelandic culture, despite external pressures, preserved its unique blend of pagan and Christian traditions.
Historical Attitude: Magic seen as real and practical, not merely a belief.
Perspective: Understanding historical context allows a more empathetic and authentic view of how ancient Icelanders lived and practiced their traditions.