Goahti
and the world of gods.
Noajdde
In the religious ceremonies, people met the gods and showed their respect through offerings. They made offerings for many reasons: for the wellbeing of the reindeer, for success when hunting and fishing, in order to overcome illness, or for successful pregnancy and childbirth.
The shaman acted as an intermediary in contacts between the people and the world of gods. When the Sámi were to be converted to Christianity, the Church principally directed its persecution at the shaman and his tool, the drum. The Sámi were forbidden by law from possessing a drum and practicing their religion.
Appointed by the spirits: The shaman, or noajdde, was the central figure in Sámi society. He was a doctor, prophet and officiator at major sacrifices. He had been appointed by the spirits, and his most important duty was to maintain contact with the spirit worlds, especially the world of the dead. People turned to him when faced with various crises, such as famine or illness.
Went into a trance: In order to meet the forces in the other worlds, the shaman went into a trance. He was able to enter this state by yoiking and beating his drum. In the trance, the shaman's soul could travel to the other worlds, and there negotiate with gods or the dead. The shaman received assistance from his helping spirits: a bird, a reindeer bull, a fish and a snake. These were his guides, and they protected him on his journeys.
Traveled to the dead: In the event of an illnesses, the shaman had to travel to the world of the dead. It was believed that the soul of the sick person had been taken away by the dead. If was often the dead relatives who had taken the soul. In the underworld, the shaman had to negotiate with Jábbmeáhkko, the ruler of the realm of the dead, for the soul of the sick person. In return for the promise of an offering to the dead or their ruler, the shaman was allowed to bring the soul back and the ill person recovered. If he was not allowed to bring the soul back, the sick person would die.
Source courtesy of: eng.samer.se/servlet/GetDoc?meta_id=1139
