In a dusty attic in central Norway, Mary Rustad came upon two ancient handwritten books of magic used by the common people--practical handbooks for daily concerns like stopping a toothache, retrieving stolen goods, and protecting livestock. Contains reproductions of the original, Old Norwegian pages facing the English translation. Includes an account of a 17th-century Norwegian witch trial.
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Language Notes
Text: English (translation)
Original Language: Norwegian
Original Language: Norwegian
About the Author
Mary S. Rustad was born in Minnesota of Norwegian heritage. She lives on the farm in Norway where her great-grandfather once lived before immigrating to the United States. After living on the farm for 21 years, she has become familiar with some of her ancestors. These relatives, that she has never met, left letters and possessions behind to help her get to know them. Some years ago, she found the two Black Books in the attic. Putting this book together has helped her understand what kind of spiritual beliefs her ancestors had in the eighteenth century.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
23 of 25 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Interesting Insight into the Past,
By Henry Tyrsson (College Station, TX) - See all my reviews
This review is from: The Black Books of Elverum (Paperback)
This work represents an astonishing find, two so called black books from Norway. There are only around 100 or so black books known, all of them collections of spells and common wisdom in the Scandinavian tradition. Far from being diabolical "black magic", these collections give an intimate glimpse into the greatest hopes and fears of our Medieval ancestors. A survey of the spells reveals, for instance, that theft was a common concern, that childbirth was often difficult, and that finding love was as complicated in the past as it is today. Mary Rustad has done a wonderful service in bringing these personal collections to light.
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
The Dark Side of Norwegian Folk History,
By
Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This review is from: The Black Books of Elverum (Paperback)
This is a rare find. Quite an insight into some of the lesser known folk ways of Norway in past centuries. The author does an excellent job of setting the historical and cultural contexts before getting into the heart of the matter - photocopies of every page of two original, hand-written books, along with English translations. These very old books contain everything from simple remedies, recipes, and potions up through some darker spells and incantations. Fascinating stuff!
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A Truly Unique Perspective On A Bygone Era,
By Brother MOLOCH 969 "MolochSorcery.com" (Cleveland, Ohio) - See all my reviews
Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This review is from: The Black Books of Elverum (Paperback)
Are you sick and tired of the lame *ssed spellbooks that are out on the market today? Have a desire to get back to the roots of Magic from elder days gone by? Here's a treasury of great material for you to peruse!
In this offeirng. Mary S. Rustad has given you a tremendous look into the past by showing you actual authentic 'spells' from the past! Ever had that dream of finding some old Witch's pesonal journal? Look no further! Page by page you're shown the original manuscript on the left page and on the right page you've given the translation. This way you can compare the translation (if you can read old Norwegian!) The 'Black Book' this is based on has a hand written date of 1682 however the author and other experts believe it's actually dated from around 1790 to 1820 when it was penned. These books were copied from one another much like Witchers were said to do in Medieval times. This particular black book has a renunciation of God the father which you (allegedly) sign in blood. Then inside are spells for everyting: abortions, boils, cards/dice games, fevers, fishing, hauntings, judicial proceedings, money, relatives, sexual relations, and many more. There's old folk-lore and Ms. Rustad even discusses a relative of her's who was convicted and burned alive in Rustad for Witchcraft. This is a fascinating account from a bygone era. If you just happen to be a purveyor of old and unusual folklore then this book is for you. Or perhaps you revel in ancient folk medicines and remedies? If so, you too will like this book. Rare are such books and it is wise to take advantage of them when & where you can before such knowledge is suppressed yet again by the Religious Reich. I give this book five out of five possible stars.
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