meginþættir

Meginþættir is a term that appears in Old Norse literature and scholarship, referring to the principal or essential parts of a narrative or a larger work. The word itself is a compound of "megin," meaning main or principal, and "þættir," meaning parts or tales. It can be understood as the core elements that constitute the essence of a story, poem, or even a legal code.

The concept of meginþættir is often discussed in relation to sagas, where it might denote the crucial plot points, character arcs, or thematic underpinnings that drive the narrative forward. Scholars use the term to identify the fundamental structure and meaning of a text, distinguishing it from incidental details or minor digressions. In essence, understanding the meginþættir of a work allows for a deeper appreciation of its overall purpose and artistic merit. The precise definition can vary depending on the context and the specific scholarly approach, but the underlying idea remains consistent: identifying what is most significant and fundamental.