mennirnir

Mennirnir is a definite plural form found in Old Norse and Icelandic, meaning "the men." The corresponding indefinite plural is menn, while the definite plural is formed by adding a definite suffix to the plural base, yielding mennirnir, literally "the men." The term thus functions as a common noun designating human beings, typically in reference to adult males, but it can also be used in a broader sense to denote humanity or a group of people.

In historical texts, mennirnir appears in both sagas and eddic poetry as a neutral designation for groups of men, often in contrast to other beings such as gods, giants, or dwarfs. Its use reflects ordinary social vocabulary and can be found in descriptions of communities, gatherings, or collective actions. The form underscores the definite identification of a particular group of men within a narrative or discourse.

In modern Icelandic, mennirnir remains a standard, neutral expression for "the men" and is also encountered in historical or literary contexts when referring to people in a definite, known group. It is part of the broader Icelandic and Old Norse system in which definite noun forms are expressed through suffixed endings, enabling clear reference to specific groups within larger texts.

See also: Icelandic language, Old Norse, Proto-Germanic linguistics.