Written by Dyami Millarson
The concept of læknishendr, derived from the genitive of læknir and the plural of hönd, holds a significant place in Germanic belief. This compound noun encapsulates the belief that certain individuals possess magical hands capable of alleviating pain and sickness. The topics under discussion in this article therefore belong to the category of healing magic. Læknir, referring to a healer, medicineman, physician, or leech (an old word for physician), is the first element of læknishendr. Its genitive form is læknis. It highlights the association with healing, medicine, and the medical profession. Hönd, meaning hand, combines with læknir to emphasise the central role of the hands in the practice of healing. Other formations of nouns compounded with læknis- are læknisgras healing herb, læknisdómr medicine, læknislyf medicine, læknisbragð medicine. Also compare these words formed from the root lækn-: læknan cure, lækning medicine; art of healing, medical profession; cure, lækningaríþrótt art of healing, medical profession, etc.
Among the souls of the Germanic forebears, it is firmly believed that the touch of a person gifted with læknishendr can bring relief from pain and sickness. These gifted individuals are traditionally revered for their ability to channel a mysterious and magical power through their hands, whose touch can restore balance and harmony within the body, encouraging the body’s natural healing processes to activate. The notion of læknishendr provides a window into magic in Germanic culture. Whilst the concept of læknishendr traditionally holds profound cultural significance within Germanic communities, it is deeply intertwined with traditional spiritual beliefs and hence associated with ancient traditions and folk religion. Healing rituals might include the use of specific herbs, incantations, or gestures performed by Germanic healers. The presence of læknishendr in the Germanic traditional belief system highlights the interconnectedness of spiritual and supernatural elements and the Germanic traditional understanding of health and well-being. Whilst the belief in læknishęndr has historical roots, I have known folk religious or spiritual Dutch people in the 21st century who were/are believed to have læknishendr or who believed/believe in læknishendr.
Viking Religion 