fótinn

Fótinn is a term derived from Old Norse, meaning "the foot." It appears in various contexts within Norse mythology and historical accounts. In sagas, fótinn might refer to a literal foot, a step, or even a measure of distance. It can also be used metaphorically to describe a position or a place of influence.

One notable instance of fótinn is associated with the god Thor. While not explicitly named as "fótinn" in most primary sources, the concept of Thor's mighty stride or the earth trembling under his feet relates to this idea. His journeys often involve covering vast distances, emphasizing the power and reach of his "foot."

Beyond mythology, the term likely had practical applications in Old Norse society. Measures of length were often based on body parts, and a unit related to a foot would have been a common, albeit potentially variable, standard. The word's etymological roots connect it to the Proto-Germanic word "*fōtaz," which is the ancestor of many modern Germanic words for "foot," including English "foot" and German "Fuß." Its presence highlights the shared linguistic heritage of the Germanic peoples.