Mannvöldum

Mannvöldum is a term used in Icelandic-language discourse to describe human-centered worlds or realms. The form combines mann- meaning man or human with völdum, a plural form related to völd, meaning power or domain, yielding a sense of “the human realms” or “the world as shaped by humans.”

Definition and scope: The term is used across disciplines to discuss how humans conceive, construct, or inhabit worlds—social, cultural, or fictional. It can denote practical environments in which human agency is primary, or metaphorical spaces such as ethical, political, or technological spheres dominated by human activity.

Usage and context: In literature and media criticism, mannvöldum appears in analyses of world-building and anthropocentric framing, where authors place human characters within broader ecosystems or cosmic contexts. In philosophy and anthropology, it is used to examine human-centered perspectives and their limits, especially in discussions about non-human agencies, ecosystems, or artificial intelligences.

Related themes: The concept is often connected to discussions of anthropocentrism, world-building, and humanism. It can serve as a contrasting reference point when exploring non-human worlds or post-human scenarios.

See also: Anthropocentrism; World-building; Humanism.