Icelandic Magic - by Christopher Alan Smith (Paperback)

About the Book

A study of no less than 6 original Icelandic manuscripts dating 1500-1860 to extract a picture of the aims, tools and techniques of Icelandic sorcerers, plus a detailed account of the types of spells used and the motivations behind them.

Book Synopsis

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.

Review Quotes

Icelandic magic brought to life Before I read this book I confess to knowing very little about Iceland, Icelanders and nothing of their magic. With his clear and uncomplicated writing on what could be perceived as a very complex subject, the author has skilfully created a very interesting, informative and incredibly easy read. He gives a fascinating insight to the life, culture, geography and of course the magic, from the Middle Ages through to the early modern period on this sub-Arctic land. I can fully understand why Icelanders resorted to magic as a crutch to help them survive in their relentless battle against the elements, eking a living from the very limited fertile land and the seas. There are a few hilariously funny moments where, as the saying goes, I laughed my socks off. After reading this book I shall now be a little more wary with whom I shake hands and keep a watchful eye on my bedpost! I highly recommend this book. - Sandy Mac, Amazon reviewer

A tremendously interesting volume. This book is a comprehensive analysis of the methods and techniques of the Icelandic magicians, based upon a selection of the surviving grimoires.

It is a fascinating study. The aims of most of the spells, and the simple tools used (generally just the owner's personal eating knife) makes it plain that these practices were largely in the hands of farmers and the poorer members of the population, not the intelligentsia (i.e. priests and nobility) as was generally the case in Europe. This is reinforced by how simple and direct the practice was, in most cases a simple stave and / or incantation sent and directed by the will of the practitioner. This fits very well with the descriptions of Icelandic magic that have come down to us in the sagas.

The author's insights are keen and although this is an academic, analytical work rather than a practical one, it is written in a pleasantly clear and uncluttered manner, with great typesetting that really makes it an interesting and refreshing read. Although the information they contain is nearly always fascinating, such analytic texts can often be quite dry to read. This one very definitely isn't, it's a delight and it's enthralling.

A broad selection of spells and staves are reprinted from the grimoires (these are photographic reproductions, not copied by hand, to avoid errors) to illustrate the points made in the text. Where incantations are given, they are often given in both the original Icelandic as well as English translation. This is very welcome, as the metre and alliteration of the original language really demonstrates how compellingly beautiful these incantations could be.

The relationships between the staves and more recognisable methods of rune magic are discussed, of course, as these Icelandic staves have a style all their own.

A tremendously interesting volume that should be on the shelf of anyone interested in the magic or myth of the North. - Michael Kelly, Amazon reviewer