VÖLVA by artist Ingrid Tusell

Oil on wood, 20" tondo

A Völva is a Nordic version of a shaman or witch, that practiced magic. The Völva in the Viking age were the predecessors of the medieval witches. 

A Völva was a woman in the Viking age who practiced magic. A Völva often had a very special role within the society and would often have close ties with the leaders of her clan. You could call a Völva/Vǫlva a spiritual leader or healer in the Nordic society.