essay
The idea of mystical power in modern Iceland
anthropology of iceland • Iowa City • Published In 1989 • Pages: 19-38
By: Wieland, Darryl.
Abstract
This is a study of three distinct paradigms on 'mystical power' as they exist in modern Iceland and how they are affected by social and historical change over the years. Wieland defines a paradigm as '…a culturally determined screen of the basic things and processes in the world through which members of society perceive, think about, speak of, give value to, and coordinate meaningful actions' (p. 20). The three paradigms described in the text are the ''folk-historical' paradigm, the 'theological' paradigm, and the 'modern' middle class paradigm. These paradigms, or metaphysical and value systems, are associated with social class and religious faith and contain different ideas and evaluations of mystical power in Icelandic society. The author describes how these systems coexist and interact in the society, and yet are seen by Icelanders as competitive and mutually contradictory with one another.
- HRAF PubDate
- 2004
- Region
- Europe
- Sub Region
- Scandinavia
- Document Type
- essay
- Evaluation
- Creator Type
- Ethnologist
- Document Rating
- 4: Excellent Secondary Data
- 5: Excellent Primary Data
- Analyst
- John Beierle ; 2002
- Field Date
- no date
- Coverage Date
- not specified
- Coverage Place
- Iceland
- Notes
- Daryl Wieland
- Includes bibliographical references (p. 37-38)
- LCCN
- 894657
- LCSH
- Icelanders