Historiola

Spoken words have long been believed to hold power, and incantations use rhythm, rhyme, storytelling and carefully chosen phrasing to produce magical results. These charms are usually grouped into three types: those for healing, those for cursing, and those for gaining or bringing something about. Modern scholars studying their historical role call the story-based kind historiolae.

Nordblom follows these narrative charms through many ancient cultures, among them Sumerian, Egyptian, Greek and Indian, before reaching Norse and Christian examples. He gives special attention to the Scandinavian troll formulae of his own heritage. These short tales center on a powerful figure, such as Jesus, a saint, Mary, three maidens or a mythical being, who carries out the action needed to heal or hex. Through sympathetic magic, the speaker's account of events is meant to take effect through that figure's power. The vivid storytelling also creates a mental picture that can engage the imagination of the speaker and, where appropriate, the person receiving the charm.

The book examines the components of historiolae and the ritual elements that accompany them, explaining the practice of narrative charms in a clear and concise way. It is intended for readers who want to add these methods to their own practice or strengthen the ones they already use.