From warding off colds to banishing anger problems, the mystical healers of Scandinavia had a rather different concept of medicine - a typical prescription usually involved a nature-based concoction with a side of spirit summoning and incantations that were repeated under the light of the full moon.
The ancient practice of Trolldom was once commonly performed in countries such as Norway and Sweden - the word itself is a Swedish translation of ‘magic’. And although it has largely been unable to withstand the dominance of modern science, it still continues to be a fascinating aspect of Nordic folklore.
Methods & Mythology
As healers of the community, Trollkunnings, as they were called, would often work together, attending to ailments and problems of all kinds. It was tradition to conduct a psychic reading, often invoking spirits that may be causing, or determine the cause of the issue. One would then heal the sick with the use of various herbs and plants. There would also be a practitioner appointed to perform spellwork and spiritual practices, and these were found in what was known as a “black book”: a collection of spells, rituals, and remedies.
In these collections, plants like ground ivy were recorded to be used for healing wounds and warding off colds, and within magick, it was for protection against evil entities. Willow was renowned for its effectiveness in soothing anger and dampening conflicts. In addition, Trollkunnings would often be summoned to handle nature spirits, such as banishing them and healing those who had been attacked by elvish beings known as the Hidden People.
Besides the obvious approach of using herbs for ailments, these books also contained rather strange “cures” that would undoubtedly raise questions if carried out now. It was believed that those suffering from toothache could "transfer" the pain to someone or something else by biting it, as long as it was done on a Thursday during a waning moon.
Artist's impression of the Hidden People, or Huldufólk as they are known in Iceland
Adaptation & Depletion
Trolldom was the magick of the folk, and it changed as religion and cultures changed. When Christianity became dominant in Scandinavia, the practice evolved to include elements of those beliefs within its traditions. Spellworks and rituals that involved calling upon Jesus, Mary and God are more commonly found than those calling upon the ancient Norse gods such as Odin and Freyja.
In the 16th century, Scandinavia was hit by a panic induced witchcraze, and although Trolldom was inherently performed for good, the practice often found itself caught in the crossfire. Instead of being accused of witchcraft, or sorcery, some practitioners were put on trial for ‘superstition’ due to their spiritual and magickal based beliefs and traditions.
Despite this, Trolldom was able to survive the infamous witch trials and continue for centuries after as a recognised profession, until it faded almost out of existence in the 40s and 50s. Modern medicine and science was quickly progressing and the need for Trollkunnings quickly depleted.
Resurrection & Divination
In recent years, there has been a revitalised interest in alternative and holistic medicine, but finding genuine and adept practitioners of Trolldom in Scandinavia is incredibly rare. Its resurrection comes instead in the popularity of some divination techniques, like rune casting. This ancient method of magick remained dormant after the Latin alphabet became the norm in Scandinavia, but was then re-awakened and incorporated into later Trolldom practices.
This magickal craft has now been adopted by eclectic witches and contemporary pagans as a way of becoming more in tune with their subconscious and to receive advice, guidance and even predictions about future events.
Although it's no longer widely practised, Trolldom still remains an important part of Nordic folklore ; a time that was truly magickal, mystical and a little mysterious.