afþreyingargeirum

Afþreyingargeirum is an Icelandic term that translates to "the gear of the gods." It refers to a collection of ancient Icelandic texts and poems that are believed to have been composed by the gods themselves or to contain divine wisdom. These texts are part of the larger corpus of Icelandic literature known as the Poetic Edda, which was compiled in the 13th century from earlier oral traditions.

The Afþreyingargeirum consists of a series of stanzas that are attributed to various gods and goddesses, including Odin, Thor, and Freya. Each stanza is believed to contain a piece of divine knowledge or a prophecy. The texts often deal with themes such as the nature of the gods, their relationships with humans, and the events that will shape the future of the world.

The Afþreyingargeirum is notable for its use of kennings, which are metaphorical expressions that are a hallmark of Old Norse poetry. These kennings often have multiple interpretations, adding to the text's enigmatic quality. The collection is also known for its use of riddles and puzzles, which are believed to have been composed by the gods to test the wisdom and intelligence of humans.

Despite its divine attribution, the Afþreyingargeirum is not considered a religious text in the traditional sense. Instead, it is seen as a collection of wisdom literature that reflects the cultural and philosophical beliefs of the ancient Icelanders. The texts continue to be studied and interpreted by scholars and enthusiasts of Old Norse literature, who are drawn to their complexity and the mysteries they contain.