uhyre

Uhyre is a noun in Norwegian and Danish meaning a large, frightening creature; in English, the closest translations are monster or beast. The term is used in folklore and literature to describe mythical beings, as well as in everyday language to refer to something exceptionally large or formidable. In modern Scandinavian usage, uhyre can denote both a specific imagined creature and a generalized headlining threat, depending on context.

The word has ancient roots in the North Germanic linguistic area and has cognates across Germanic languages, reflecting a long-standing role in describing formidable beings. In Scandinavian folklore, uhyre is not tied to a single fixed creature but functions as a generic label for monsters, giants, and other fearsome entities that inhabit legends and fairy tales.

In contemporary Norwegian and Danish writing and speech, uhyre remains common, appearing in journalism, fiction, and conversation to convey awe or alarm. It can carry neutral, negative, or hyperbolic nuance, and is often used in expressions emphasizing scale or power.

See also: Monster; Troll; Dragon.