þátíðir

þátíðir is an Icelandic term that translates to "past times" or "bygone days." It generally refers to historical periods, ancient times, or a general sense of the past that is no longer present. The term can be used in a variety of contexts, from discussing historical events and folklore to more personal reflections on one's own past experiences.

In Icelandic literature and discourse, þátíðir often carries a sense of nostalgia or reverence for earlier eras. It can evoke images of sagas, ancient traditions, and the lives of ancestors. The concept is not strictly defined and can encompass a broad spectrum of historical periods, from the Viking Age settlement of Iceland to more recent, though still past, decades.

When referring to specific historical periods, more precise terms might be used, but þátíðir serves as a general descriptor for anything that has already occurred. It is a word that connects the present to the accumulated history and memory of a nation or an individual, emphasizing the continuous flow of time and the enduring influence of what has been. The understanding of þátíðir is deeply embedded in the Icelandic cultural consciousness.