þod

þod is a term from Germanic philology and runic studies, referring to the phonetic value of the rune named Thurisaz in the Elder Futhark and the Anglo-Saxon Futhorc. It represents the voiceless dental fricative sound, equivalent to the modern English "th" as in "think" or "thorn." This sound is often transliterated using the character þ (thorn), from which the term "þod" is derived, essentially meaning "a thing of thorn."

The rune itself is commonly associated with negative or challenging concepts, often translated as "giant," "thorn," or "evil force." In runic inscriptions and early poetic texts, it symbolizes conflict, danger, and powerful, chaotic natural forces. This contrasts with its purely phonetic function in writing systems.

The linguistic importance of þod lies in its documentation of a distinct sound in early Germanic languages that was later lost in many dialects. While English preserved the sound and the "thorn" letter for several centuries, most other Germanic languages, like German and Dutch, merged this sound with "d." The study of þod provides insight into the phonological evolution of the Germanic language family.

In modern contexts, þod is primarily of academic interest, relevant to historians of language and runic enthusiasts. It serves as a specific example of how runes encoded sounds that were crucial to the spoken language of the time, highlighting the connection between writing systems and phonetic reality.