meginrunnstoðum

Meginrunnstoðum is a term that appears in Old Norse literature, most notably in the Vafþrúðnismál, one of the Eddic poems. The phrase is often translated as "main roots" or "fundamental pillars" and refers to the foundational elements of the cosmos. In Vafþrúðnismál, the giant Vafþrúðnir uses the term when describing the immense scale and structure of the world to Odin. He explains that the world is supported by these meginrunnstoðum, which are deeply embedded and provide stability.

The precise nature of these meginrunnstoðum is subject to interpretation. Some scholars suggest they represent the cosmic trees or pillars described in other Norse myths, such as Yggdrasil. Others interpret them more abstractly, signifying the fundamental forces or principles that hold reality together. The concept emphasizes the ancient Norse understanding of a universe that, despite its perceived chaos and the presence of mythical beings, possesses an underlying order and structure. The term’s usage highlights the importance of foundational elements in cosmic frameworks within Norse mythology.