hjáltr
hjáltr is a term that appears in Old Norse literature, particularly in skaldic poetry. Its precise meaning has been subject to scholarly debate, but it is generally understood to refer to a specific type of weapon or armor. Some interpretations suggest it could be a type of shield, possibly one made of wood with metal reinforcement. Other theories propose it might be a sword or a helmet, with variations in translation reflecting the ambiguity of the word.
The word hjáltr is found in various kennings, which are poetic metaphors common in Old Norse poetry.
Scholars studying Old Norse language and culture analyze the usage of hjáltr in surviving texts to reconstruct