User blog comment:Zippertrain85/Nords do trust magic/@comment-13446185-20140323191349

Onmund's dialogue seems to the explain the Nord's current distrust for magic quite well.

"Magic is shunned by most. If it can't be swung over your head and used to crack skulls, most Nords want nothing to do with it."

Obviously not all Nords shun magic but it isn't just a coincidence that only two of the court wizards in Skyrim are Nords. It should also be noted that the Nords probably distrust offensive magicks (most prominently destruction magic) than to helpful magicks like restoration for reasons that should be obvious.

The Nords distrust for magic is relatively new though, starting after the Oblivion Crisis as stated by Brelyna Maryon.

"Before the Oblivion Crisis, many elves called Winterhold their home. More visited the College from Morrowind every year. After, growing distrust of magic made life difficult for many. Some left rather than endure the growing hatred from the local Nords."

The Great Collapse was just icing on the cake. Many people blamed the college for it and Nordic distrust for magic grew even more.

"I know there are some who have blamed the College, said that we were responsible. I assure you this is not the case."

-Savos Aren

I honestly do think the College was responsible for it. My evidence being Ilinalta's Deep.

The Nords used to respect magic. Shalidor, one of the greatest mages to ever live, was a Nord, and as you said Miraak, the Dragon Priests, and Harkon were each expert mages. The Thu'um was unfortunately suppressed by the Greybeards, but nevertheless, it was esteemed so heavily by the Nords that the magic was associated with them entirely.

Other evidence that the Nords used to hold magic with appraisal comes from one of Tsun's quotes.

"The Nords may have forgotten their forefathers' respect for the Clever Craft, but your comrades throng this hall."

-Tsun