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SOEOEEY. 263
CHAPTEE XXIV.
BOECEBT.
The belief in sorcery (fjolkyngi, gorningar)* was
universal among the heathen Northmen, and it had
its origin in the doctrine itself, which represents the
magic arts as an invention of the Asa-Gods.
They made a distinction between two kinds of
magic, viz., galldr and seiSr,
The name galldr may be derived from gala, to
sing, and thus denoted a kind of sorcery that was
performed by magic songs (gala or kveSa galldra).
Its origin and dissemination was attributed to the
jEsir, and especially to Odin, who therefore was
also called galldrs f65ur—the father of magic incantations.
The men who cultivated this art were
called galldra-smiSir or gaUdra-menn. The Kunes
occupied in this kind of sorcery an important place
as magic characters, and it appears that the naagi-
* BJolkyngi and fjolkunnigr—from fjold, a multitude, ^61, much,
many (Germ, viel), and kunna, to be able, to know—signify multi-
farious knowledge, and much-knowing, and hence, magic, skilled
in magic. Gorningar {sing, gorningr) from gora, to do, to make,
properly denotes actions, performances; -vfjien^e. wagic arts;
witchcraft.