púki
The Old Norse word for "demon" is púki.
This noun is used to refer to an evil being.
Meaning: evil being (noun)
Did you know?
- The word púki is a cognate of the English word 'puck', the mischievous nature spirit made famous by Shakespeare in 'A Midsummer Night's Dream'.
- Despite the word púki, the most feared supernatural entities in Old Norse society were often the draugr, which are undead corpses that guard their burial mounds.
- While púki means 'demon', the word evolved into the modern Icelandic word púki, which is often used to describe a mischievous or naughty child.
Examples in context
- Hann er illr púki.He is an evil demon.
- Sá púki lifir í skóginum.That demon lives in the forest.
Example conversation
Sigrid and Ivar are discussing a strange sight in the woods.
- SigridSá var sannr púki!That was a true demon!
- IvarEk sá ekkert þar.I saw nothing there.
- SigridPúki fylgir okkur nú.A demon is following us now.
- IvarEk trúi því ekki.I do not believe that.
