In Norway and Iceland, it is believed by some that many individuals can possess the bodies of others or animals, manifesting the intrinsic nature of the host. Through this transformation, one acquires extraordinary power, amplifying their natural strength manifold. They gain the raw ferocity of the beast they embody, augmented by their own inherent abilities.
The methods of achieving such metamorphoses are varied. At times, the act is as simple as draping a garment or hide over the body, triggering an immediate transformation. In other instances, the physical body is abandoned as the soul enters another form, leaving the original body in a state of apparent death, lifeless yet intact. This second form may be borrowed or specifically crafted for the purpose. A third method employs incantations, where the observer, bewitched by the spell, perceives only the chosen form of the caster, though the original body remains unaltered. The one immutable aspect is the eyes; no force can change them, revealing the true identity of the transformed.
Once transformed, these individuals fulfill their destined roles, guided by the nature of the beast they inhabit, while retaining their human intellect. They are capable of the feats of both human and beast. If transformed into a bird or fish, they may fly or dive. When taking on the form of a wolf, they succumb to savagery and ferocity, channeling the untamed power of their new form.
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I will illustrate these three modes of transformation with examples. The first tale comes from the Saga of the Volsungs:
Simon deemed Sinfjotli too young to aid in his quest for vengeance and decided to test his mettle first. Together, they ventured deep into the forests during the summer, committing murder and robbery. Simon soon discovered Sinfjotli bore the blood of the Volsungs... Their exploits took them further into the woods, where they amassed wealth and eventually came upon a house. They set it ablaze. Inside were two men adorned with large gold rings, known to consort with sorcerers. Above their heads hung wolfskins, marking the tenth day since they had reverted to human form. These men were sons of a king.
Simon and Sinfjotli donned the wolfskins and found themselves unable to remove them, overtaken by the wild nature of the wolves. They learned to howl as wolves and roamed the forest, embarking on separate adventures. They agreed to limit their attacks to no more than seven people at a time and to signal each other with a wolf’s howl should trouble arise.
“Keep your word,” Simon warned. “You are young and reckless, and they will hunt you first.” They parted ways. Soon after, Simon encountered a group of people and howled. Sinfjotli heard the call, rushed to his aid, and slew them all. Shortly after, Sinfjotli encountered eleven men in the forest. He attacked and killed them one by one. Exhausted, he collapsed beneath an oak tree. Simon arrived and demanded, “Why didn’t you call for me?” Sinfjotli replied, “Was there need for your help to kill eleven men?” Enraged, Simon attacked and fatally bit his throat.
Another tale unfolds in the remote valleys of Norway’s northern highlands...
