Landvættir (“land wights”) are spirits of the land in Norse mythology and Germanic neopaganism. They protect and promote the flourishing of the specific places where they live, which can be as small as a rock or a corner of a field or as large as a section of a country.
CHARACTERISTICS:
These land wights are generally peaceful and prefer solitude away from humans. They appreciate being undisturbed and will bless the land they occupy, whether it’s a small stone or a vast mountain. However, if they feel offended or disrespected, they might curse the land, causing damage or even abandoning it.
GERMANIC BELIEF:
Icelandic people historically valued good relationships with these spirits. One of their earliest laws, created in 930 C.E., mandated that anyone arriving by boat must remove dragon heads from their ships to avoid scaring the land spirits. The Germanic culture respected these spirits so much that they often mixed them up with the gods, offering them worship similar to that given to deities.
PRESENT BELIEF:
Today, belief in land spirits remains strong in Iceland. Farmers typically avoid large rocks, steering clear when mowing and keeping their children from playing near them. The former High Priest of Ásatrúarfélagið has pointed out that landvaettir are linked to specific places, like prominent rocks or scenic areas that stand out. These spirits are crucial not just for the land but also for homes, as they offer protection and blessings to any dwelling within their domain.
WORSHIPPING LANDVAETTIR:
As noted, landvaettir can either bless or curse your home based on their feelings, so it’s important to show them respect and provide offerings to maintain their goodwill.
