þvoði

þvoði is an Old Norse word that translates to "washing" or "cleansing." It is the past participle of the verb þvo, meaning "to wash." The word appears in various Old Norse texts, often in contexts related to personal hygiene, purification rituals, or the cleaning of objects.

The concept of washing was important in Norse society, both for practical reasons of cleanliness and for symbolic or religious purposes. Washing could signify a fresh start, the removal of impurity, or a preparation for sacred activities. In sagas and Eddic poetry, references to washing might describe the act of bathing, cleaning one's hands before a meal, or cleansing oneself after a battle or a period of uncleanliness.

The root of þvo is related to similar words in other Germanic languages, indicating a shared linguistic heritage for the concept of washing. Understanding words like þvoði helps scholars and enthusiasts reconstruct aspects of daily life, cultural practices, and the linguistic evolution of the North Germanic languages. The term's usage provides insight into the values and beliefs held by people in the Viking Age and beyond.