friður

Friður is the Icelandic noun for peace. It refers to the absence of conflict and to a state of quiet, safety, and social harmony. The term can describe external conditions, such as a country living in peace after a conflict, as well as internal states, such as personal calm or spiritual serenity. In everyday language, it also appears in phrases like lifa í friði (to live in peace), friður og öryggi (peace and security), and in legal or political terms such as friðarsamningur (peace treaty).

Etymology and usage: Friður is derived from Old Norse friðr and is closely related to cognates in other North Germanic languages. In contemporary Icelandic, it remains the standard word for peace and is used across media, literature, and public discourse. It is often contrasted with stríð (war) in discussions of international relations and national security.

Conceptual nuance: The word encompasses both external peace between states and internal tranquility among individuals or communities. In poetry and religious texts, friður may also carry connotations of harmony, order, and justice. The term thus serves as a central concept in discussions of political philosophy, social cohesion, and personal well-being within Icelandic culture.