A scorn pole erected to dishonour an enemy through níð-magic.
The níðstöng was a pole, often of wood, topped with a severed animal head and carved runes. It was erected against an enemy to invoke shame and cursing forces upon them.
The practice is described in several sagas, notably Egils saga, where Egill Skallagrímsson raises a níðstöng against King Eiríkr blóðøx. The ceremony was considered both legally and magically binding.
Attestations
- Egils saga, kap. 57
- Primary source for the ritual use of the níðstöng.