rauðr
/rɑuðr̩/
The word for red in Old Norse is rauðr.
rauðr functions as both a noun referring to the colour red and an adjective meaning having red as its colour.
Meaning: colour (noun)
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
When used as an adjective to modify plural nouns, the form changes based on the gender of the noun: use rauðir for masculine plural nouns and rauðar for feminine plural nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
/rɑuðr̩/
Did you know?
- In Old Norse poetry, 'red' was often used in 'kennings' to describe blood, such as calling it the 'red dew' of a sword.
- In Norse mythology, the color rauðr is linked to the goddess Freyja, who is sometimes associated with gold and red ornaments.
- The specific spelling with the letter 'ð' (eth) represents a voiced dental fricative, a sound similar to the 'th' in the English word 'mother'.
Examples in context
- Hann bar hjálminn rauðan sem blóð.He wore the helmet red as blood.
Example conversation
Gunnhild and Ivar are looking at dyed wool.
- GunnhildLíkar þér rauðr litr?Do you like the red color?
- IvarJá, hann er mjök fagr.Yes, it is very beautiful.
- GunnhildSjá, rauðr er betri en blár.Look, red is better than blue.
- IvarÞat er satt, Gunnhildr.That is true, Gunnhild.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “red” translations and entries rauðr, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
