Svartíma

Svartíma is a term of Norse origin that translates to "black time" or "dark time." It generally refers to periods of intense hardship, suffering, or widespread misfortune. The concept is often associated with the concept of Ragnarök, the prophesied twilight of the gods and the destruction of the world. During Ragnarök, many terrible events are foretold, leading to a time of great darkness and despair before a new world emerges.

The term can be applied to various situations, not solely the mythological apocalypse. It can describe periods of great famine, war, plague, or societal collapse. Historically, communities experiencing prolonged periods of severe difficulty might refer to such times as a svartíma. The imagery evokes a sense of overwhelming gloom and a feeling that the world has entered a deeply troubled phase. While often linked to eschatological beliefs, the underlying sentiment of "black time" is a human recognition of profound suffering and the struggle for survival during difficult eras.