hälg

Hälg is a term that originates from Old Norse and refers to a unit of measurement used in medieval Scandinavia, particularly in Sweden and Norway. The word "hälg" is derived from the Old Norse word for "oath" or "pledge," and it is believed to have been used as a symbol of commitment or loyalty.

Hälg was primarily used as a unit of measurement for long distances, such as journeys or travel routes. It is estimated to have been equivalent to a distance of approximately 79-82 kilometers, although the exact length varied slightly depending on the region and the context in which it was used.

The term "hälg" has been mentioned in various medieval texts, including the Icelandic Sagas and the Swedish and Norwegian chronicles. These sources suggest that the unit of measurement was widely used in Scandinavia during the Middle Ages, particularly in the 12th to 14th centuries.

In modern times, the term "hälg" has largely fallen out of use, and it is now mostly of interest to historians and linguists. However, the concept of the hälg remains an important part of Scandinavian cultural heritage, reflecting the country's rich history and tradition of precise measurement and record-keeping.