þrefast

Þrefast, also spelled as "threfast," is a term that has been used in various contexts throughout history, particularly in Old Norse and Old English literature. The term is often translated as "threefold" or "triple," reflecting its etymological roots in the Old Norse word "þrífaldr," which means "three times as much." In Old English, it is found as "þrēfald," with a similar meaning.

In Old Norse literature, þrefast is used to describe something that is three times greater or more numerous than another thing. For example, in the Prose Edda, Snorri Sturluson uses the term to describe the threefold nature of the gods, their realms, and their powers. This usage emphasizes the multiplicity and complexity of the divine realm.

In Old English literature, þrefast is used in a similar manner. For instance, in the Anglo-Saxon poem "The Dream of the Rood," the term is used to describe the threefold nature of the cross, symbolizing the crucifixion, the resurrection, and the ascension of Jesus Christ.

The term þrefast is also found in legal and religious contexts. In Old Norse law, it is used to describe the threefold division of property among heirs. In religious texts, it is used to describe the threefold nature of the Trinity in Christian theology.

Overall, þrefast is a term that reflects the Old Norse and Old English worldview, emphasizing the importance of multiplicity, complexity, and the divine. Its usage in literature, law, and religion highlights its significance in the cultural and intellectual life of these societies.