Wearing a mask within the Norse tradition was inextricably linked to the god Odin and the shamanic practices of the völva. When she covered her face, she gave up her human personality to become a channel for the gods and spirits.
Quick Facts: Masks and Metamorphosis
- Odin's Influence: The god Odin is known as Grímnir ("The Masked One"). Masks are directly linked to his wisdom and magic.
- Animal Transformation: Masks helped the völva transform into an animal, such as her fylgja (spiritual animal companion).
- Archaeological Finds: Important masks have been discovered in the harbor of Hedeby and in Novgorod.
- Visual Art: The Oseberg tapestry depicts women wearing boar and raven masks during a ritual procession.
The Völva as Grímnir: The Power of Disguise
In Old Norse texts, a mask is often associated with the ability to enter a trance. The god Odin used disguises to travel unrecognized through the nine worlds.
- The Trance: By putting on a mask, the völva shut herself off from the physical world. This helped her focus on the visions that arose during the seiðr.
- The Covered Judge: A fascinating example of this practice is Þorgeirr Ljósvetningagoði, who isolated himself beneath a cloak for a day and a night to reach a decision. Covering the head served here as a kind of 'temporary mask' to make contact with higher powers.
Animal Masks: Ravens and Boars
Archaeology and art give us a glimpse into the different types of masks that were used.
- The Raven Mask: The raven is the symbol of Odin's thoughts and memory (Huginn and Muninn). A völva wearing a raven mask claimed the wisdom and perspective of the All-Father.
- The Boar Mask: On the famous Oseberg tapestry, we see a woman in boar hide wearing a mask. The boar was sacred to the gods Frey and Freyja. It stood for fertility, but also for wild strength and aggression.
- Finds from Hedeby: Felt masks with animal features have been found in the harbor of the Viking town of Hedeby. These masks were likely intended to transform the wearer during ritual dances or seasonal festivals.
The Völva and Death: The Masking of the Corpse
Masks also played a role in the transition to the afterlife. In the Laxdæla saga it is described how a deceased völva was found with a cloth over her face.
- Protection: This cloth functioned as a mask for the dead, possibly to prevent the seer's soul from returning prematurely or to protect the living from her powerful gaze, even after death.
- The Invisible Border: The mask marked the völva as someone who no longer belonged to the world of the living, but had become a permanent inhabitant of the spiritual world.
Conclusion: Beyond the Face
For the völva, the mask was a gateway. It allowed her to leave human limitations behind and speak the language of animals and gods. Whether made of felt, leather, or cloth, the mask made the invisible forces of the Norse cosmos visible to the community.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
Were these masks always animal-shaped?
Not necessarily, but the animal form was most common because the völva believed she could take on the characteristics of that specific animal during her magical journey.
Were masks also used by Berserkers?
Yes, there is a strong overlap. While the völva used masks for wisdom and prophecy, the berserkers and úlfheðnar used animal hides and masks to invoke the fury and strength of the bear or wolf.
Step into the world of masks
Want to create your own ritual or historical character with the power of transformation?
Internal links
- The Ecstasy of the Völva: Rituals and Trance Reconstructed
- The Völva: Seer, Staff-Bearer and Mistress of Magic
- Roman Larva Masks: Transformation and Ritual in the Army
Sources
- Price, N. (2002). The Viking Way. Uppsala University.
- Gunnell, T. (1995). The Origins of Drama in Scandinavia. D.S. Brewer.
- Blain, J. (2002). Nine Worlds of Seid-Magic. Routledge.
