Comparing Norse Volva, Prophesy Ritual with their Sami Volva Counterpart
How the prophecy was performed by Volva in Eiriks saga rauda (Erick the red saga)
1. Volva sat on a high seat or seat that was higher than any other in the room.
a. The women at the gathering position themselves around the volva on a scaffolding. The volva is on the high seat above the other women.
b. Volva needed a vardlokur to be sung. Done by a woman.
c. Vardlokur – a song that is a call to spirits.
d. Volva sees the spirits arrive.
e. The volva gives the prophecy.
How the prophecy was performed by the Sami Volva.
1. Vatnsdola Saga – Seidr is practiced in this saga are all Sami.
a. Noted – In this saga it is mentioned that there is a volva that makes Seidr in the old ways, so men could make out their fate.
1. The volva was dressed well.
2. The volva was put on the high seat.
Then each man asked about his Orlog or fate during the feast.
These two rituals appear to be very different. The one in the Eric the Red Saga seems to be much more ritualized than the Sami version. What are your thoughts on this? Could it be based on culture? Could the Sami ritual be simpler in nature do to them maybe being closer to nature?
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