þreytistift

þreytistift is an Old Norse word that translates to "tiredness stick" or "weariness stick." The term appears in the Eddic poem Vafþrúðnismál, where the giant Vafþrúðnir uses it in a riddle posed to Odin. Vafþrúðnir asks Odin, "What is that stick that is both a comfort and a torment, that brings joy and grief, and that can be used to gain sustenance?" Odin correctly answers that it is "þreytistift," meaning sleep.

The riddle highlights the dual nature of sleep. On one hand, sleep is a relief from weariness, a comfort that allows one to recover and gain strength. It is a joy that brings rejuvenation. On the other hand, prolonged or excessive sleep can be a torment, leading to idleness and the neglect of duties. It can also be a source of grief if it prevents one from achieving their goals or experiencing life. The ability to gain sustenance through rest underscores its essential role in survival and well-being.

The concept of "þreytistift" reflects an ancient understanding of sleep not merely as an absence of consciousness, but as an active and powerful force with both positive and negative implications for human life and experience. It is a metaphor that encapsulates the complex relationship between rest, recovery, and the demands of the world.