þvælst

þvælst is an Old Norse word that translates to "well-being" or "happiness" in modern English. It is derived from the Proto-Germanic root *wel-, which also gives rise to words like "well" and "welfare" in other Germanic languages.

In Old Norse society, þvælst was a central concept that encompassed not just individual happiness, but also the collective well-being of the community. It was closely tied to the concept of "gudrun," which referred to the prosperity and success of a person or a community. A person's þvælst was influenced by various factors, including their social status, wealth, and the respect they commanded within their community.

The pursuit of þvælst was a driving force in Old Norse culture. It led to the development of laws and customs that ensured fairness, justice, and the protection of the weak. The concept also influenced the way resources were distributed and how conflicts were resolved.

In the Viking Age, þvælst was often associated with the concept of "eir," which referred to the honor and reputation of a person. A person's þvælst was closely linked to their eir, and vice versa. This interconnection highlights the holistic approach to well-being in Old Norse society.

The study of þvælst provides valuable insights into the social, economic, and cultural dynamics of Old Norse society. It offers a window into the values and priorities of the people who lived during that time, and continues to be a subject of interest for historians and scholars.