Gegndræpis

Gegndræpis is a term that appears in Old Norse mythological texts, most notably in the Poetic Edda. It translates roughly to "counter-action" or "retaliation." The concept describes a force or a state of being that opposes or balances out another force. In a mythological context, it can refer to the natural tendency for actions to have consequences, or for opposing powers to be in perpetual struggle.

The idea of gegndræpis can be seen in the cosmic balance maintained by the gods and the forces they contend with. For example, the ongoing conflict between the Æsir and the giants, or the cyclical nature of creation and destruction, can be interpreted through the lens of gegndræpis. It suggests a universe where equilibrium is not static but achieved through the dynamic interplay of opposing forces. This principle is not necessarily about good versus evil, but rather about the inherent need for balance and opposition in the unfolding of events. It implies that for every action, there is an inherent tendency towards a reaction or a counteracting force. The concept is fundamental to understanding the worldview presented in Norse mythology, where forces are rarely absolute and are instead defined by their opposition to others.