nútum

Nýtum is a term that originates from the Old Norse language and translates to "usury" or "interest" in English. Historically, it referred to the practice of lending money with the expectation of receiving a return, typically in the form of a percentage of the amount lent. The concept of nýtum is deeply intertwined with the economic and social structures of ancient and medieval Scandinavian societies.

In early Norse society, the charging of interest was often viewed with suspicion and was sometimes even prohibited by law, particularly by Christian influences that arrived later. This prohibition was often rooted in moral or religious objections to profiting from the need of others. However, as trade and commerce developed, the practice of nýtum became more prevalent, especially in the context of loans for business ventures or in times of hardship.

The specific regulations and societal attitudes towards nýtum varied across different regions and time periods within the Norse world. Evidence suggests that while outright prohibition might have existed in some instances, there were also mechanisms for regulated lending and the collection of interest, often under specific conditions or for certain types of transactions. The understanding and application of nýtum played a role in the development of early financial practices and the broader economic landscape of the time.