meginþörf

Meginþörf is a term used in Old Norse literature to describe a type of magical or supernatural need or desire. It is often associated with the concept of a person's inner drive or longing that cannot be satisfied by ordinary means. Meginþörf is typically invoked in contexts where a character is compelled to undertake a quest or face a challenge, often against their will or despite their initial reluctance.

The term is most famously associated with the character Sigurd in the Volsunga saga, where Sigurd's meginþörf is the desire to avenge his father's death and reclaim his inheritance. This desire drives him to undertake a series of heroic deeds, including slaying the dragon Fafnir and retrieving the hoard of the Nibelungen.

In the Prose Edda, Snorri Sturluson uses the term meginþörf to describe the inner drive that compels characters to seek out and confront supernatural beings or forces. This concept is central to the understanding of heroism and the heroic code in Old Norse literature.

Meginþörf is a complex and multifaceted concept that reflects the deep-seated desires and motivations of the characters in Old Norse literature. It serves as a driving force behind their actions and shapes the narrative of the sagas and poems in which it appears.