sviðinu

Sviðinu is the definite form of the Icelandic noun svið, which denotes the skull or cranium. In ordinary Icelandic usage, svið refers to the skull as a part of the head, and sviðið is the standard definite form, while sviðinu is used in inflected contexts such as the dative or locative. The term appears in anatomical descriptions, medical terminology, and everyday language when discussing the head’s bony structure.

In humans, the skull comprises two major parts: the cranium, which encases the brain, and the facial skeleton, which forms the features of the face. The cranium consists of eight bones that fuse with age, protecting the brain and providing attachment points for muscles. The facial bones number fourteen and contribute to the shape of the face, the orbits of the eyes, and the openings for respiration and digestion. The skull connects to the spine via the upper cervical vertebrae, enabling support and movement of the head.

Svið also refers to a traditional Icelandic dish known as svið or sviðasunna, made from a sheep’s head. The head is typically boiled, split, and served with accompaniments such as potatoes and root vegetables. This preparation is associated with historical rural cuisine and is sometimes cited in discussions of Iceland’s culinary heritage. The term’s use to mean “the skull” and its culinary sense reflect its cultural versatility.

See also: Icelandic language, Icelandic cuisine, anatomy of the skull.