My heritage is 3/4 Nordic--German/Swede (with the largest portion being Swedish).

The Volva--were tribal High-Priestesses that traveled from place to place (usually accompanied by their Priestesses--the Disir). The Priestess would sing the Volva into a trance--during which--she would predict the welfare of the tribe through the Seasons of the coming Year--including (primarily) how MotherNature would effect their fortunes--which were dependent upon Her good-will as the majority of AncientTribes were nomadic and (of course) at the mercy of the Elements.

The association with ill-fate stems from the fact that they were in the service of Freyja--(the WarriorMotherGoddess and sometimes Crone) and were charged with the deliverance of Her KarmicJustice to any who were deserving.

Peace and Love on your path to discovering the Mysteries...

Blessed be...