köttr
The English word "cat" is translated into Old Norse as köttr.
Meaning: domestic species (noun)
Did you know?
- In Old Norse mythology, the goddess Freyja's chariot was pulled by two large cats. This suggests that cats were viewed as powerful and divine companions rather than just household pets.
- Old Norse poetry often used 'kennings', or metaphorical compound words. A cat might be described as a 'mouse-hunter' rather than using the simple word köttr.
- Old Norse is a Germanic language, and köttr is closely related to the Old High German word 'katto'. This shows that the word for 'cat' spread across Northern Europe long before the Viking Age.
Example conversation
Olaf and Helga are talking about a pet in the house.
- OlafSé þú, Helga, þar er köttr!Look, Helga, there is a cat!
- HelgaHverr á hann?Who owns it?
- OlafEk veit eigi.I do not know.
- HelgaHann er mjök lítill.He is very small.
