tijdsteen

Tijdsteen is a concept used in Dutch-language fiction and folklore to denote a gemstone with power over time. In most depictions, the object can affect temporal flow, show visions of possible futures, or permit limited time travel, though descriptions vary between works. There is no evidence that such a stone exists in reality.

Etymology: The word komt from tijd (time) and steen (stone). In Dutch translations of international works, tijdsteen is often used as the direct term for a Time Stone or similar artefact.

In traditional tales and modern fantasy, the tijdsteen's powers come with costs or constraints. Some versions allow time reversal for a short period; others grant foresight but trigger paradoxes or unintended consequences. Access frequently requires a ritual, puzzle, or moral choice, and the stone is often guarded or sought by rival factions.

Cultural role: The tijdsteen serves as a narrative device to investigate power, responsibility, and the ethical dimensions of altering history. It can act as a MacGuffin driving plot or as a test for protagonists, highlighting how intention clashes with consequence.

In contemporary media, the tijdsteen appears in novels, role-playing games, and films produced for Dutch audiences or translated works. It is commonly depicted alongside other relics or within temples, and its use is typically surrounded by secrecy and ritual.

See also: Time stone, Chronomancy, Time travel in fiction.