Noaidi

Sami noaidi with a meavrresgárri drum used for runic divination. Illustration printed from copperplates by O.H. von Lode, after drawings made by Knud Leem (1767)

A noaidi (Northern Sami: noaidi, Lule Sami: noajdde, Pite Sami: nåjjde, Southern Sami: nåejttie, Skolt Sami: nåidd, Kildin Sami: нуэййт / но̄ййт, Ter Sami: ныэййтӭ) is a shaman of the Sami people in the Nordic countries, playing a role in Sámi religious practices. Most noaidi practices died out during the 17th century, most likely because they resisted Christianization of the Sámi people and the king's authority. Their actions were referred to in courts as "magic" or "sorcery" (cf. witchcraft). Several Sámi shamanistic beliefs and practices are similar to those of some Siberian cultures.[1]

  1. ^ Voigt 1966: 296

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