brigð

brigð is a word found in Old Norse and some related Germanic languages. Its primary meaning is related to deception, trickery, or deceit. It can also refer to a trick, a snare, or a cunning scheme. The verb form, brigða, means to deceive, to betray, or to trick someone.

The concept of brigð is a recurring theme in Old Norse literature, particularly in sagas and Eddic poetry. It often appears in contexts involving gods, heroes, or even everyday interactions where appearances are misleading. For instance, a character might be described as using brigð to achieve their goals, or they might fall victim to the brigð of another. The word highlights the importance of distinguishing between reality and illusion in the world depicted in these ancient texts.

Beyond its literal meaning, brigð can also carry connotations of something unstable or changeable, reflecting the deceptive nature of things that are not what they seem. This duality of meaning, encompassing both active deception and the inherent unreliability of certain phenomena, makes brigð a nuanced term in the Old Norse vocabulary. Understanding brigð is crucial for interpreting the moral and narrative complexities of early Germanic literature.