märgendust

Märgendust is a term used primarily in Swedish-language fantasy fiction and folklore studies to denote a powdered substance believed to carry remnants of life or memory. The word is formed from märg (bone marrow) and dust, reflecting its proposed origins in bone material. In traditional folklore and early popular narratives, märgendust is depicted as a ceremonial or alchemical material produced by drying and grinding marrow from select animals or humans, often under ritual conditions. In many fictional contexts, märgendust is described as having properties such as enhancing vitality, granting temporary heightened senses, or storing memory or spirit traces, making it a sought-after component for spells, divination, or healing rituals. Scientific treatment portrays it as a purely fictional plot device; there is no empirical basis for marrow-based powders with such powers.

In contemporary usage, märgendust appears most commonly in speculative literature, role-playing games, and online fan communities, where it serves as a world-building element or game mechanic. Variants and related concepts include bone dust, marrow powder, and memory dust, each serving similar symbolic roles in magical systems. The term remains relatively niche and specialized, with most references found in fictional works or studies on folklore-inspired modern fantasy.