varajastel

Varajastel is a phrase in Estonian that translates roughly as “in the early ages” or “in ancient times.” In scholarly and literary Estonian, varajastel is used to situate events, practices, or beliefs outside the documented historical period and toward prehistoric or early historic times. The form is commonly used in combination with other time markers, such as “varajastel aegadel” (in the early ages) or “varajastal ajal” (in the early period).

Etymology and form: The word is derived from the adjective varajane meaning “early” and is combined with a temporal case ending to function as an adverbial expression. The phrase is flexible and typically serves as a marker of time rather than a fixed noun.

Usage and scope: The implied timeframe depends on the source. Ethnographers may refer to prehistoric or early medieval times, while mythological or folklore texts may place events in a legendary past. Varajastel is generally used to evoke temporal distance and generalities rather than precise chronology, and it frequently appears at the beginnings of sections describing ancient customs, tools, or social structures.

See also: Estonian language; time expressions; historical prose; folklore; archaeology.