máttur

Máttur is a term with roots in Norse mythology and Old Norse language, carrying multiple meanings depending on context. Primarily, it refers to the concept of "power," "might," or "strength," often associated with divine or supernatural influence. In the *Poetic Edda* and *Prose Edda*, máttur is frequently linked to the gods, particularly Odin, who is described as possessing great máttur through wisdom, magic, and control over fate.

The term also appears in the context of runes and magical practices. In Old Norse tradition, máttur was believed to be inherent in certain objects, spells, or rituals, granting the user enhanced abilities or protection. For example, the *Hávamál*, a collection of poetic verses attributed to Odin, mentions the acquisition of máttur through knowledge and self-sacrifice, such as hanging from Yggdrasil for nine nights.

In modern usage, máttur has been adopted in neo-pagan and Heathenry movements as a way to describe spiritual or mystical power, often tied to ancestral traditions and Norse cosmology. It remains a key concept in discussions of Viking-age beliefs, emphasizing the interconnectedness of strength, destiny, and divine authority.

While the exact etymology of máttur is debated among linguists, its influence persists in contemporary interpretations of Norse culture, symbolizing both physical and metaphysical potency. The term reflects broader themes in Germanic mythology, where power is not merely physical but deeply tied to wisdom, sacrifice, and cosmic order.