þukke

þukke is a term found in Old Norse literature, most notably in the Poetic Edda. It is generally understood to mean "thigh" or "haunch," referring to the upper part of the leg of a person or animal. The word appears in various contexts within the Eddic poems, often in descriptions of beings or their physical attributes.

In some instances, þukke is used in more metaphorical or symbolic ways, though its literal meaning remains the primary interpretation. Scholars have analyzed its usage to understand nuances of Old Norse physiology, mythology, and poetic language. The precise etymology of þukke is debated among linguists, but it is believed to be related to other Germanic words for "thigh" or "haunch." Its presence in the Eddas highlights the importance of detailed physical descriptions in ancient Norse poetry and sagas. The term's infrequency in surviving texts means that its full range of meaning and usage is not always definitively clear, leading to ongoing scholarly discussion.