Contents
Overview
Trolldom is a Scandinavian folk practice. It’s been around for the past 500 years but fell into seclusion during the 19th century. The word “troll” in trolldom is a reference to both magic and the beings of the same name—these two concepts go hand-in-hand.
A spell in trolldom is known as trollformel or a troll formula. Different formulas exist for pretty much any purpose you can think of, including healing, stalling, shaming, protection, luck, mischief, and more. Trolldom also involves various divination techniques and talking to spirits and the dead. It also overlaps with spå, or the ability to foretell future events.
Speech and silence play vital roles in trolldom. Incantation is necessary for troll formulas to work, while silence is necessary for performing certain rituals and preserving certain customs.
The practice is passed down through oral tradition. It’s only taught in-person to those younger than the practitioner and unrelated by blood. In order for someone to be successful with trolldom, they must be born with certain gifts. These gifts can be unusual abilities or senses inherited from one’s forebears. Acquiring gifts in other ways usually involves passing through an ordeal.
Even though trolldom is cultural to Scandinavia, it’s not tied to Heathenry or any one spirituality or religion. Like galdrastafir, learning trolldom requires seeking out a practitioner willing to teach it.
