Djävulens

Djävulens is the genitive form of the Swedish noun djävul, meaning "the devil." It is used to indicate possession or association with the devil, functioning similarly to phrases like "the devil's [something]" in English. The form appears in religious, folkloric, and literary contexts as part of describing actions, traits, or objects attributed to the devil.

Etymology and related forms: Djävul has cognates in other Scandinavian languages, such as Danish djævel and Norwegian djevel, and Icelandic djöfull, all belonging to the Germanic language family. The Swedish word is linked to these cognates and reflects the broader medieval and early modern Christian vocabulary for the devil. The possessive djävulens arises when indicating that something belongs to or is associated with the devil, while djävulsk is an adjective meaning devilish.

Usage and meaning: In contemporary Swedish, djävulens is primarily a linguistic tool to convey strong negative associations. It appears in religious discourse, folklore, literature, and everyday language to emphasize malice, danger, or moral wrongdoing. The phrase operates similarly to other languages’ devils-work or devilish expressions, underscoring the cultural role of the devil as a symbol of evil.

See also: The term djävul often appears in compound expressions and idioms across Swedish literature and media, reflecting its place in Christian and secular storytelling. Compared with other ways to express evil, djävulens offers a clear, culturally resonant link to the archetypal devil figure in Swedish language and culture.