Líkingar

Líkingar are a figure of speech in Icelandic that create a direct comparison between two things, usually signaling resemblance with the phrase eins og, meaning "as" or "like." They function as similes and are used to clarify, illuminate qualities, or add vividness to description.

Difference from metaphor: a líking states the resemblance explicitly with eins og, while a metaphor asserts an implicit identity between two things without using "like" or "as." In practice, some expressions may blur the line, but líkingar retain the explicit comparative trigger.

Etymology and scope: the word líking derives from Old Norse líking, meaning likeness or similarity, related to broader Indo-European roots for similarity. Historically, líkingar appear in Icelandic poetry, sagas, and religious texts, including translations of the Bible, where they aid in interpretation and moral emphasis.

Usage: in contemporary Icelandic, líkingar are common in literature, journalism, and everyday speech. They can be simple, direct comparisons or extended sequences of imagery. They are also prominent in religious discourse and parables, where a story or situation is used to illustrate a lesson or moral.

Examples: "hann er sterkur eins og járn" (he is as strong as iron). "Húðin hennar var hvít eins og snjór" (her skin was as white as snow). These illustrate how líkingar connect everyday observations to recognizable images, enhancing understanding without sacrificing clarity.