bréfum

Bréfum is a term that appears in Old Norse literature, notably in the Poetic Edda. It is generally understood to refer to a specific type of rune or a collection of runic knowledge. The exact meaning and usage of bréfum are not entirely clear and have been subject to scholarly interpretation.

In some contexts, bréfum might imply letters or writings in a broader sense, but its connection to runes suggests a more specialized meaning. Runes were not merely an alphabet in ancient Germanic societies; they were often imbued with magical and symbolic significance. The term bréfum could therefore encompass the secrets, power, or even a specific set of runic inscriptions used for divination or other mystical purposes.

The term's rarity in surviving texts makes it difficult to pinpoint a definitive meaning. However, its association with the mystical and the written word in Norse culture suggests it played a role in understanding or wielding runic power. Scholars continue to analyze its appearances to gain further insight into the complex world of Norse runes and their associated beliefs.