mannfjöldr

Mannfjöldr is an Old Norse term that translates to "multitude of men" or "crowd." It specifically refers to a large assembly of people, often in a military context. While it can simply denote a large gathering, its most common usage in Old Norse literature is to describe a large army or a significant body of warriors. The word is a compound of "maðr" (man) and "fjöldr" (multitude, number).

The term highlights the collective strength and presence of a large group. In sagas and historical accounts, references to mannfjöldr often emphasize the scale of battles, the impressiveness of armies, or the potential threat posed by a large invading force. It conveys a sense of overwhelming numbers and the impact this could have on events.

Beyond its literal meaning, mannfjöldr can also carry connotations of the power and influence wielded by a united populace, though its primary application remains focused on physical assemblies of people, particularly fighting men. The concept underscores the importance of numbers in warfare and societal organization during the Viking Age and early medieval Scandinavia. Its usage provides insight into how large groups of people were perceived and described in the Old Norse world.