Myrkrseiðr— The Black Seidr.

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Náttgaldur: The Shadow Witches and Dark Sorcery of the Old Norse.

Old Norse Shadow Witchcraft, a dark and mysterious tradition woven into the fabric of ancient Scandinavian cultures, was not merely a system of spells and rituals, but a potent, intricate form of sorcery deeply connected to the forces of darkness and the unseen realms. Known by various names throughout the ages, including "seiðr" and "galdr," it was often feared, misunderstood, and vilified, particularly in the context of its association with black magic. The Old Norse word for black magic, "blót" or "svartkúnstr" (translated as "black art"), represented a deeper engagement with the forces of darkness, mysticism, and shadow, where power was drawn from sources that lay beyond the light of the gods and humanity.

In Old Norse traditions, magic was a tool not just for divination, but for manipulation, control, and even the summoning of the darker forces of nature. These practices were as much about survival as they were about dominion over the forces of fate. The word “svartkúnstr” is often used to refer to practices that delved into these darker realms, particularly seiðr—a form of magic that was mostly associated with the god Odin and the völvas (female shamans or seeresses) who wielded it. However, seiðr was not exclusively benevolent magic; it often involved the conjuring of spirits and forces that could be used to curse, bind, or control others, making it a form of magic that could easily slip into the domain of black magic.

The origins of shadow witchcraft in Norse traditions are linked with the primordial powers that governed the world before the gods emerged. The Old Norse mythology reveals a rich pantheon of beings who represented the forces of chaos and darkness. These included the trolls, giants, and other creatures that existed before the Aesir and Vanir gods set their rule. Trolls, known for their mischievous and sometimes malicious nature, were often seen as embodiments of untamed, chaotic energies, while the giants (Jötnar), who inhabited Jotunheim, symbolized a primordial power that was not necessarily evil but existed outside the bounds of divine law and order. To practice shadow witchcraft in Old Norse times meant to work with these primal and often terrifying forces that were beyond human comprehension and control.