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While researching Viking culture for my last-minute cosplay shoot I learned that the Nordic version of a priestess/witch that practiced magic was known as a Völva.
Völva in the Viking age were the predecessors of medieval witches. They are very ancient, and their roots go back more than 3,000 years! You could say they were witches before it became cool.

Viking age Völva were known for their healing abilities, and for communicating with the spirit world. They could also harness black magic to help warriors defeat their enemies.

I was inspired by what I learned of the Völva, and decided to base my costume on the descriptions I read. Apparently they were known to wear vibrant colors, and always carried a decorated wand/staff. The staff was very important to the Völva; they were magic tools. Many historians believe that the word 'Völva' originally meant 'staff/wand carrier'.

It's possible that this could be where the notion of magic wands originated.

Viking Priestess by HeatherAfter Cosplay

Photo is a Selfie

Description

While researching Viking culture for my last-minute cosplay shoot I learned that the Nordic version of a priestess/witch that practiced magic was known as a Völva.
Völva in the Viking age were the predecessors of medieval witches. They are very ancient, and their roots go back more than 3,000 years! You could say they were witches before it became cool.

Viking age Völva were known for their healing abilities, and for communicating with the spirit world. They could also harness black magic to help warriors defeat their enemies.

I was inspired by what I learned of the Völva, and decided to base my costume on the descriptions I read. Apparently they were known to wear vibrant colors, and always carried a decorated wand/staff. The staff was very important to the Völva; they were magic tools. Many historians believe that the word 'Völva' originally meant 'staff/wand carrier'.

It's possible that this could be where the notion of magic wands originated.

Viking Priestess by HeatherAfter Cosplay

Photo is a Selfie