Virða

"Virða" is an Old Norse verb meaning "to revere," "honor," or "respect." It originates from the Proto-Germanic root *werþaną, related to concepts of worth, value, and esteem. The term reflects the cultural and social importance placed on honor and dignity in Norse society, where respecting elders, gods, and social hierarchies was central to communal and personal integrity.

In Old Norse literature, such as the *Poetic Edda* and *Prose Edda*, "virða" appears frequently in contexts involving divine worship, ancestral reverence, and oaths. For example, in the *Hávamál*, a collection of poetic verses attributed to the god Odin, the concept of "virða" is tied to moral and ethical conduct, emphasizing the need to honor one’s word and maintain respectful relationships. The verb also appears in legal and poetic contexts, underscoring its role in binding agreements and social obligations.

The word evolved into Middle Low German *werden* and Old English *werþan*, contributing to broader Germanic linguistic traditions. While the exact usage shifted over time, its core meaning of respect and honor persists in modern Germanic languages. The term remains a key example of how Old Norse language and culture valued respect as a foundational principle in both personal and communal life. Its legacy continues in modern interpretations of Norse values, particularly in themes of honor, loyalty, and reverence.