Ellen Lloyd - AncientPages.com - Like many other ancient civilizations, the Norse people believed in the concept of the soul. However, in addition to this, it was also thought that all human beings had a special invisible protector that followed them through life.
Its name is vörðr, and the 'force' can be best described as a personal warden or caretaker spirit. On some occasions, vörðr could become visible, and when it happened, it revealed itself as a small light or as the person's shape. People with strong senses could become aware of other' watcher spirits.
Encountering another person's vörðr was unpleasant. The perception of the watcher's spirit could cause physical sensations such as an itching hand or nose.
In Old Swedish, the word is varþer, and in modern Swedish, it is vård. The English word '" wraith" derived from the Norse word vǫrðr, while "ward" and "warden" are cognates.
Until the last centuries, belief in this creature or invisible force was widespread throughout Scandinavia.
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See also:
Ginnungagap From Which The World, Gods, Humanity And All Life Emerged In Norse Beliefs
Hamingja – Norse Guardian Spirit Bringing Good Luck From Generation To Generation
Fylgja – Norse Guardian Spirit Was Deeply Respected
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