9/15/09: Satan & Cosmic Struggle + Early Scandinavian Witches 

Lecture:  Cosmic Struggle (cont’d)

Cosmic Struggle Between Good & Evil: (see outline for 9/6)

In-Class Writing Assignment: Describe at least two types of Nordic witches based on the readings for today’s class. If you haven’t yet done the reading, write on something relevant to today’s class and make up assignment as soon as possible.

Witches in Pre-Christian Scandinavia

Introduction: types of witches.

Hierarchy of Pantheon

No “Evil”inherent in Pre-Christian Nordic society : 

Fate & Seers/Prophetesses (Witches):

Magic: Galdr & Seidr

In-Class Writing Assignment: Describe at least two types of Nordic witches based on the readings for today’s class. If you haven’t yet done the reading, write on something relevant to today’s class.

Lecture:  Witches in Norse Sagas

Sagas: document the transition from a pantheistic, pagan society to Christianity. 

•   Vinland Saga: “Eirik’s Saga"

•     Eyrbyggya Saga  =

Witches in the Sagas:

Eirik’s Saga:  Chapter 4: “Gudrid is Told Her Fortune”

Eyrbyggja Saga:

Mixed Legacy of Nordic Witches: