Saami Magic in Medieval Texts: Magical Other(ing)s and Questions of Terminology

Within the complex diversity of medieval Fennoscandian societies, Saami people and groups were significant social and political players (Wang 2023). In both medieval texts and in present-day historiography, the association between the Saami and their perceived special knowledge of magic is emphasised recurrently (Kaikkonen 2020b: 2). In the medieval textual corpus, the Saami are frequently described as ‘people with unusual skill in magic, and their magic is seen as closely related to heathen religion’ (Mundal 1996: 112). While the Saami are portrayed as repeatedly sought out by (presumed) non-Saami characters for their magical skills in medieval texts, the portrayals tend to also accentuate an ambivalent association to this magic (Wang 2022: 22). Within historiography, the focus has tended to be on the latter aspect. In this article, building on previous research referred to throughout (specifically Wang 2022; Wang 2023), I investigate the stereotypical repertoire of Saami magic as it is presented in medieval texts, asking whether this magic can be said to be specifically Saami in the literature through its descriptions. This investigation is then followed by a discussion on terminology concerning medieval Saami magic (as it is portrayed).