Eystr

Eystr is a term that appears in Old Norse literature, primarily in poetic contexts. It is generally understood to refer to the east, or a direction eastward. While the literal meaning is straightforward, its usage can carry symbolic or mythological connotations.

In some instances, eystr may be associated with the sunrise or the dawning of a new day, symbolizing beginnings or hope. Conversely, it could also represent lands or realms perceived as distant or foreign. The concept of "east" in ancient cultures often held a sense of the unknown or the exotic, and eystr likely embodied similar associations for the Norse people.

The term appears in various skaldic poems and Eddic verses, often in conjunction with geographical descriptions or journeys. Understanding eystr requires an appreciation of the cosmological views and symbolic language prevalent in Old Norse sagas and poetry. It is not a term typically used in everyday prose but rather in elevated or metaphorical language, adding layers of meaning to the texts in which it is found. Its precise interpretation can sometimes depend on the specific context of the poem or verse.