vöðvasamdráttur

Vöðvasamdráttur is a term from Old Norse literature, particularly associated with the Poetic Edda, which is a collection of Old Norse poems and prose works. The term translates to "strength of the gods" or "power of the gods." It refers to the collective power and influence of the gods in Norse mythology. The concept of vöðvasamdráttur is often used to describe the divine authority and the ability of the gods to intervene in the affairs of mortals. This power is seen as a source of both protection and punishment, reflecting the gods' role as both benefactors and judges in Norse society. The term is used in various contexts within the Poetic Edda, often in conjunction with the god Odin, who is depicted as the embodiment of vöðvasamdráttur. The concept of vöðvasamdráttur underscores the belief in the gods' omnipresence and their capacity to shape the world and the lives of humans, making it a central theme in the mythology of the Old Norse world.