ásait

Ásait is a term that can refer to several distinct concepts depending on the context, primarily within Icelandic language and culture.

In the context of Icelandic grammar, ásait is an archaic dative plural form of the word áss, meaning god. This grammatical form is rarely encountered in modern Icelandic but appears in older texts, particularly in poetry and religious contexts referring to the Norse gods. Its usage is primarily of historical linguistic interest.

More broadly, "ásait" can also be used colloquially in Iceland to refer to a particular type of candy or sweet. This usage is less formal and more common in everyday conversation. The specific type of candy referred to by ásait can vary, but it often denotes a hard, often fruit-flavored sweet, similar to a boiled sweet or a hard candy. This popular confection is a familiar treat for many Icelanders, particularly children. The etymology of this secondary meaning is less clear, but it is understood to be a distinct evolution from its grammatical origin.