Onothæfum

Onothæfum is a term that appears in Old English literature, notably in the Exeter Book. Its precise meaning has been the subject of scholarly debate, but it is generally understood to refer to a state of being, or a quality, related to the absence of rest or cessation. The word is often translated as "unresting," "unwearying," or "ceaseless." It carries connotations of relentless activity, continuous effort, or an enduring, unbroken state.

Scholars have analyzed the contexts in which onothæfum appears to understand its nuances. It is frequently employed in descriptions of natural phenomena that are perceived as perpetual, such as the movement of the sea or the cycle of seasons. It can also describe abstract concepts, like the enduring nature of grief or the relentless passage of time. The term's usage suggests a profound awareness in Old English poetry of forces and states that are beyond human control and operate without pause. The etymology of the word, likely derived from "on-" (not) and "oþæfnes" (cessation, rest), further supports this interpretation of continuous existence or action.