þarfar

þarfar is a grammatical form found in Old Norse and other Old Germanic languages. It represents the past subjunctive of the verb meaning "to need" or "to require." This form would typically be used in conditional or hypothetical clauses, expressing a past necessity that may or may not have been fulfilled. For example, it might appear in a sentence like "If he had needed it, he would have taken it." The precise usage and conjugation of þarfar could vary slightly between different dialects and historical periods of Old Norse. It is a less common grammatical feature compared to the indicative past tense. Understanding þarfar is important for accurate translation and interpretation of Old Norse texts. Its presence signifies a nuanced expression of past circumstances and potential actions.