mægen

Mægen is a mythological concept found in ancient Germanic cultures, including those of the Anglo-Saxons and the Scandinavians. The term is derived from Old English and Old Norse words, with the Old English word "mægen" and the Old Norse word "megin" sharing a common root.

In mythological contexts, mægen is often associated with the concept of strength or power. It is typically described as a divine attribute possessed by gods, goddesses, and heroic figures, which allows them to perform extraordinary feats and overcome great challenges. For example, the Old Norse god Thor's mægen is renowned for its incredible strength and durability, enabling him to wield the mighty hammer Mjolnir.

In Scandinavian mythology, mægen is also connected to the concept of fate (wyrd or örlag), where the divine could influence the course of human events. Gods and goddesses with significant mægen could manipulate the fates of mortals, ensuring that their plans and endeavors succeeded or failed according to their will.

In a broader sense, mægen can be seen as an aspect of Icelandic and Old Norse literature that refers to a particular characteristic, talent, or faculty. For example, a skilled warrior might possess " battle-mægen," an ability to excel in warfare or single combat. Similarly, a mighty craftsman might have the ability to create powerful artifacts, such as magical weapons, which would give them an edge in various confrontations or battles. This thought outlines the concept of mægen within the scope of Norse mythology and its related cultural contexts.