English Explanatory Dictionary

galdr

English dictionary entry

Meanings

noun
  1. An ancient form of shamanic chanting, an improvisational magical song, especially for a protective effect. Compare the custom of the joik and other chanting traditions among the Sámi shamanic noaidi who shares mutual influence with the Norse shamanic vǫlva and other Norse magical customs.
  2. A similar style of chanting that is a modern reinvention of Norse and later magical traditions.

Word forms

galdr galdrar galdrs

Etymology

Borrowed from Old Norse galdr (“witchcraft, sorcery, magic arts”), akin to Old English ġealdor (“incantation, magic”). Related to English gale, yell.

Synonyms

galder
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