tiu

Tiu, also spelled Tiw or Tiwas, is the reconstructed name of a major god in the early Germanic pantheon. The deity is commonly associated with war and law, and is considered the precursor or counterpart of the Norse god Tyr. The name survives in linguistic and cultural remnants, including the name of the weekday Tuesday.

Etymology and attestations: In Proto-Germanic, the theonym is reconstructed as *Tiwaz*. Cognates appear in Old English Tiw, Old High German Ziu, and Old Norse Tyr. The name is linked to the broader Indo-European tradition of sky- and law-associated deities, though the exact relationship to other sky gods remains a topic of scholarly debate. The Tiwaz rune (ᛏ) is named after the god and reflects his influence in runic writing systems.

Myth and role: Germanic tradition presents Tiu/Tyr as a god of law and heroic combat. The most well-known tale from Norse sources describes Tyr sacrificing his hand to bind the wolf Fenrir, a story that emphasizes courage, order, and legal commitment. In later mythological developments, his prominence declines relative to figures such as Odin, but he remains a recognized masculine deity in earlier Germanic lore.

Cultural legacy: The weekday name Tuesday derives from Old English Tīwesdæg, literally “Tiw’s day,” reflecting the historical importance of the deity in early Germanic culture. The Tiwaz rune also preserves his name as a symbol in runic alphabets, underscoring his lasting influence on language and ritual symbolism.