rænn
Rænn is a term used in Nordic-language contexts to denote a channel or trench that conducts water or other fluids. In geomorphology and archaeology, the concept described by rænn corresponds to elongated drainage features—natural channels or human-made troughs—that transport runoff across landscapes or through built environments. The word is often linked to a Proto-Germanic root meaning “to run,” with cognates appearing in several Germanic languages to describe running water or channels.
Typical characteristics of a rænn include an elongated planform, varying width and depth, a measurable slope,
In cultural contexts, rænn often appears in folklore and fantasy-inspired world-building as a symbol of life-sustaining
Related terms include runnel, canal, aqueduct, and drain. While used primarily in hypothetical, folkloric, or descriptive