hlýðinn

Hlýðinn is a term from the Icelandic language. It primarily means “obedient,” “dutiful,” or “reverent,” and is used as an adjective. In some contexts, hlýðinn can be used nominally to refer to “an obedient person” in older manuscripts and poetry.

Etymology: It derives from the verb hlýða, “to heed, to obey,” with the suffix -inn forming the definite adjective or nominal sense. The word is related to other Germanic terms for listening or heeding.

Usage: In medieval Icelandic literature and sagas, hlýðinn frequently appears as a descriptive epithet for loyal followers, vassals, or soldiers. It can function within kennings or simple descriptive phrases. In modern Icelandic, the word is less common as a standalone noun and is more likely encountered in scholarly editions, translations, or literary works attempting to evoke historical language.

Proper name usage: There is no widely recognized geographical location or person named Hlýðinn in standard references. When used in contemporary fiction or games, Hlýðinn would typically be a fictional character or title chosen for its connotations of obedience.

See also: hlýða; obedience; epithet; Icelandic language.