opuð

opuð is a term that appears in Old Norse literature, most notably in the Poetic Edda. Its exact meaning and function have been subject to scholarly debate, but it is generally understood to be a type of incantation or magical utterance. The word itself is related to the concept of "speaking" or "uttering."

In the context of Old Norse mythology, opuð are often depicted as powerful pronouncements made by deities or skilled individuals, capable of influencing events, shaping reality, or revealing hidden truths. They are not simply spoken words but carry a performative and magical weight. The precise nature of these utterances and the mechanisms by which they exert their power remain a subject of ongoing interpretation among scholars.

The study of opuð contributes to a broader understanding of the role of language, magic, and ritual in ancient Germanic cultures. While direct translations are elusive, the concept provides insight into how ancient peoples may have perceived the potency of speech and its connection to the supernatural.