ALemmære

ALemmære is a term that appears in Old Norse literature, primarily in poetic contexts. It is often found in Eddic poetry and skaldic verse, where its meaning can be somewhat elusive and subject to scholarly interpretation. The word itself is a compound, generally understood to be derived from "al-" meaning "all" or "entire," and "læmære" which is related to "lame" or "crippled." Therefore, a literal translation might suggest something like "all-crippled" or "entirely disabled."

The specific entities or concepts referred to by ALemmære vary depending on the poem and the scholarly interpretation of that poem. In some instances, it is thought to be a kenning, a metaphorical compound expression used in Old Norse poetry. As a kenning, ALemmære could refer to a specific deity, a mythical creature, or even an abstract concept. Some scholars have linked it to figures associated with misfortune or hardship, given its etymological roots.

The precise usage and meaning of ALemmære remain a topic of discussion among philologists and scholars of Old Norse literature. Its infrequency and the highly figurative nature of the poetry in which it appears contribute to the difficulty in definitively pinning down its exact reference. While its etymology offers clues, the poetic context is crucial for understanding its intended meaning within specific verses.