aflöngu

Aflöngu is a term that appears in Old Norse and can be translated to mean "release from length" or "unbinding." It is often used in the context of magic or spellcasting, referring to the act of breaking or undoing a magical enchantment or binding. This could involve releasing a creature from a curse, undoing a protective ward, or severing a connection forged by sorcery.

The concept of aflöngu implies that magical effects are often perceived as being bound or constrained, much like a physical object could be tied or imprisoned. To perform aflöngu would therefore require a counter-action of similar or greater power to unravel the original magic. This might involve specific rituals, incantations, or the use of counter-charms.

While the term itself is not widely used in modern fantasy literature, the underlying concept of dispelling or breaking magical effects is a common trope. It suggests a fundamental aspect of how magic was understood in certain historical or mythological contexts, where spells were not merely passive influences but active forces that could be manipulated and, importantly, undone. The idea of "length" in aflöngu could metaphorically refer to the duration or extent of a magical effect.