mælivíðum

Mælivíðum is a term used in Old Norse and Old Icelandic literature to describe a type of poetic meter. The term itself is derived from the Old Norse words "mæli," meaning "measure," and "víð," meaning "wide" or "broad." This meter is characterized by its wide, open structure, which allows for greater flexibility in the length of lines and the number of syllables per line.

Mælivíðum is often used in skaldic poetry, which is the poetic tradition of the Norse and Icelandic skalds, or bards. It is typically employed in longer poems, such as eddas and skaldic sagas, and is known for its ability to convey complex ideas and emotions. The meter is often used to create a sense of grandeur and epicness, reflecting the themes of heroism, battle, and the natural world that are common in Norse literature.

The structure of mælivíðum is not as rigid as that of other poetic meters, such as fornyrðislag or ljóðaháttr. This allows for a greater degree of variation in the length of lines and the number of syllables per line, making it a versatile tool for the skaldic poet. However, this flexibility also means that the meter can be more difficult to identify and analyze than other poetic meters.

In summary, mælivíðum is a poetic meter used in Old Norse and Old Icelandic literature, characterized by its wide, open structure and flexibility. It is often used in longer poems and is known for its ability to convey complex ideas and emotions. Despite its flexibility, the meter can be more difficult to identify and analyze than other poetic meters.