Word Origins: Norse Mythology
Introduction
Ever wondered if the words you use daily have ancient tales behind them? Dive into the intriguing world of Norse mythology and discover how the stories of gods, warriors, and epic sagas have influenced the English language. From the days of the week to common terms, the legacy of Norse legends is all around us. This article, "Word Origins: Norse Mythology," invites linguaphiles and curious minds to explore the roots of English vocabulary through the lens of ancient Norse culture. Join us as we uncover the linguistic gems that connect our everyday speech to the mythical past.
Learning Objectives
In this lesson, you will focus on the following objective:
Examining words from Norse myth.
Norse Mythology
Word Origins
Word origins, or etymology, is the history and development of words.
Tip
To determine the meaning of an unfamiliar word in a reading passage, break the word into its parts—root, prefix, and suffix. If you recognize the root, you can probably figure out what the word means.
Literature Connection
The angry, noisy Thor was the Norse god of thunder. The English word
Thursday (“Thor’s day”) comes from his name.
“The god Thor always resented the disdainful way he had been treated by
King Liki of Outgard.”
—Brian Branston, from “The Stealing of Thor’s Hammer”
Tracing the word origins, or etymology, of this word explains how
this Norse name entered our language. Modern English has its roots in
the language of the Anglo-Saxons who lived in England in the early
Middle Ages. Viking peoples from Denmark and other Scandinavian
countries later invaded and settled in England. Terms from the Vikings’
Old Norse language and mythology, like Thor, were assimilated into English.
“The Stealing of Thor’s Hammer” offers other examples of terms from
Norse myths that have entered the English language. In the attempt to
retrieve his hammer, Thor disguises himself as the beautiful goddess
Freya. What day of the week takes its name from hers?
This chart shows the Old Norse origins of some English words.
| English Word |
Old Norse Word |
|
geyser n. a spring that produces jets of water
|
geysa v. to gush; to rush forward
|
|
score n. twenty; a group of twenty items; a record
mark
|
skor n. notch; twenty
|
|
snub v. to rebuke; to neglect or treat rudely |
snubba v. to curse
|
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Word Origins: Norse Mythology Quiz
Select the English words below with the meanings of the words from their
Norse origins. Use a dictionary if you need help.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the exploration of word origins from Norse mythology reveals a fascinating intersection between ancient culture and modern language. By understanding the etymology of words like "Thursday" and "geyser," we gain a deeper appreciation for the rich tapestry of history that influences our everyday communication. This knowledge not only enriches our vocabulary but also connects us to the stories and traditions of the past. As you continue to encounter new words, remember the value of breaking them down into their roots, prefixes, and suffixes to uncover their meanings. Embrace the journey of linguistic discovery and see how the echoes of Norse legends continue to shape our language today.
