The Black Books of Elverum

by Mary S. Rustad

In a dusty old attic in central Norway, the author came upon two handwritten Black Books—books of magic used centuries ago by the common people. Their terrifying reputation notwithstanding, they were practical handbooks for addressing daily concerns—from discovering a thief to stopping a toothache,

Genres: Witchcraft, Occult, Spirituality, Magick, Nonfiction, Folklore

176 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 1999

Reviews

[Randy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This unusual book shares Norwegian folk history and copies of two found “black books” with their translations. The book also helps understand the mindset behind folktales and folk medicine, as well as the sometimes absurd spells and curses used by peasants and their clerical leaders. Also included are bits on the religious persecution of this era (e.g. burning witches and shunning). Not for everyone, but Norwegian folklore and history buffs will devour this brief book.

[Signor Mambrino · Rating 3 out of 5]

pretty interesting book. some very specific spells in here - there's two on what to do in order to get revenge on a thief who shat in your house

[Sandra · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is not a piece of literature where the turns of phrases mark its value. This book's value is in the glimpse it provides into the lives of ordinary people in Norway in the Middle Ages. This is the period after Christianity was introduced and just after the Reformation brought Lutheranism to Norway. Some of the incantations can be roughly dated due to references to Catholic, not Protestant, traditions. It is also a period when people, mostly women, were burned at the stake for practicing witchcraft, when possessing a black book was evidence of being a witch. The book not only includes the English translations of the book's contents; the actual pages are shown side by side.

[Äsruþr Cyneaþsson · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fascinating collection of old Norwegian spells, similar in style to the old Icelandic black books or grey skins. The spells are a combination of Catholic mysticism, runic and Heathen approaches and beliefs. Worth reading for the occult student with a fervent interest in runic and Norse magical systems.