Yes, Senua is widely considered a seer by the Northmen within her world due to her unique mental condition.
Senua's experiences, characterized by vivid visions, voices, and altered perceptions, are interpreted by the Northmen as the abilities of a seiðkona—a practitioner of an ancient Norse tradition often associated with prophecy, shamanism, and magic. This cultural interpretation frames her struggles with psychosis as a spiritual gift or supernatural insight.
It is important to understand that while her condition leads others to perceive her as a seer, the narrative of Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice and Senua's Saga: Hellblade II does not present magic or supernatural phenomena as objectively real within the game's world. Instead, her "sight" is a profound manifestation of her own mind, shaped by her internal struggles and the cultural lens through which her community views such phenomena.
Her journey is a deep exploration of how mental illness can be interpreted and understood in different contexts, transforming personal suffering into something that can be both revered and feared.
Key Aspects of Senua's "Seer" Status:
- Cultural Interpretation: Her condition is perceived as a gift by the Northmen, associating her with the seiðr tradition.
- Rooted in Psychosis: Her visions and voices are manifestations of her mental health struggles.
- Narrative Stance: The games do not validate magic as an objective reality; her "seeing" is a subjective experience.
This perspective highlights the complex interplay between individual experience, cultural beliefs, and the interpretation of mental health.
