þudjan

þudjan is an Old Norse word that means "to awaken" or "to rouse." It is a verb and is derived from the Proto-Germanic root *þodjanan, which has similar meanings. This word appears in various Old Norse texts, including sagas and poetry.

In its historical context, þudjan often describes the act of waking someone from sleep, but it can also carry a metaphorical sense of stirring someone to action or awareness. For example, it might be used to describe a leader rousing their warriors before a battle or a poet awakening the spirit of a hero in their verse. The concept of awakening is central to many themes in Old Norse literature, including fate, destiny, and the call to adventure.

The word's presence indicates the importance of vigilance and responsiveness in Viking Age society. Being roused or awakened could signify the beginning of a significant event or the realization of a dormant potential. While not a commonly used word in modern Scandinavian languages, its etymological roots can be traced to words related to waking in contemporary Germanic languages. Studying words like þudjan provides insight into the worldview and linguistic heritage of the ancient Norse people.