Historiola: The Power of Narrative Charms

by Carl Nordblom, David Herrerias (Illustrator)

In the beginning was the word, and for as long as there has been language, there has been power within the use of words. Incantations and spoken charms apply nuance, narrative, rhyme, and cadence to achieve magical effects, commonly divided into healing, hexing, and procuring. Modern academic scholarship, focusing on their historical relevance, refers to magical narrative charms as historiolae, which are explored here within numerous cultures of antiquity including Sumerian, Egyptian, Greek, and Indian through to Norse and Christian examples.The author’s native Scandinavian tradition of troll formulae uses short narratives with a powerful protagonist (such as Jesus, saints, Mary, three maidens, mythical figures) performing the required action to heal, or hex. The narrative recounts a series of events, which the speaker through sympathetic magic manifests into action through the power of the protagonist and their actions. The story-telling aspect of the charms also provides a visual component to the charm, activating the power of imagination in both speaker and (if appropriate) recipient.Through his exploration of the components of historiolae and associated ritual components, Carl Nordblom lucidly and concisely demonstrates the practice of narrative charms, equipping the reader with everything needed to incorporate or enhance their use in personal practice. And the word was with magic, and the word was magic.

Genres: Nonfiction

85 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 13, 2021

Reviews

[Ashe · Rating 3 out of 5]

The information within the book is interesting, particularly for those who practice folk witchcraft, and references some interesting sources. It features examples of narrative charms and compares them between different regions and cultures within the context of the theory discussed. However, I feel like the theory in this book (book is a strong word, essay sounds more appropriate) could've been reduced to 1 chapter out of 4 if we remove the repetitiveness of the information, with a chapter specifically filled with examples referenced throughout. The repetitiveness and the somewhat academic language makes it a bit of a tricky read if you have concentration difficulties, but with this size, if you have the time and focus you could easily read this entire book in one sitting or day.

[Lazarone · Rating 5 out of 5]

This booklet explores "inner workings" of narrative charms. Insights are amazing!!! Yet, just one more chapter about how to create this kind of spells would be more than welcomed though main steps are outlined in the text in an indirect way. Otherwise, great read because you will understand the power of narrative charms.

[LayDownYourSoul · Rating 3 out of 5]

Really interesting book, first time seeing scholarly work on magic. Enjoyed the book, although I don't have as much of a literal take on the magic behind the kinds of stories the book goes over as the author or active practitioners who may get even more out of this. But as someone who is very interested in myth and the psychology of storytelling, there was a lot here to enjoy. For example, the recurring themes of the three women within narrative spells and the discussion of pre-Christian stories surviving with religious tweaks was very interesting. Not to mention the quality of writing is fantastic.

[Andrew Sikes · Rating 4 out of 5]

System is interesting. I'll keep this book around to revisit now and then.

[Mitchell Stern · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a nice little guide to an interesting form of magic. I would have liked a more robust guide on using this method then this book could offer, but overall still good.

[zozo · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5, delizioso ! proprio quello che serve ad ogni poeta, e ad ogni mago

[Patricia Woodruff · Rating 4 out of 5]

A terrific small book explaining HOW magic takes place in the context of “story-telling” charms. Written with academic sources but covered from the perspective of a magical practitioner. Examples from Norse, Swedish, Celtic, Slavic, Hindu, Tibetan, Anglo-Saxon, Germanic, Egyptian, and Italian traditions. I would have liked the book to have been longer.