greip

Greip is a term that appears in Old Norse literature, most notably in the Poetic Edda. It refers to a specific type of grip or embrace, often with a connotation of strength and possessiveness. In the Eddic poem Grímnismál, Odin, disguised as Grímnir, offers his foster son Agnar a drink from a horn, stating that he will not give him ale again until Agnar has gained "greip" of both the worlds. This usage suggests a metaphorical grasp or understanding of the realms of existence.

The term can also be understood in a more literal sense of physical restraint or capture. In some interpretations of Norse mythology and sagas, greip might describe a powerful hold used in combat or wrestling. The etymology of the word is related to the modern English word "grip," indicating a shared linguistic root and a fundamental concept of seizing or holding. While not a common word in modern Scandinavian languages, its presence in ancient texts provides insight into the vocabulary and conceptual world of the Norse people. The precise meaning can vary depending on the context of the literary work in which it appears, but it consistently conveys an idea of forceful engagement or control.