sál
feminine
The English word soul is sál in Old Norse.
The word sál refers to the spirit or essence of a person that is often believed to live on after the person's death. In Old Norse, other concepts are also integral to the soul: Munr is used to describe the memory and willpower, while Hamingja refers to luck or happiness and encompasses both personal soul-related aspects and ancestral spirits.
Meaning: the spirit or essence of a person that is often believed to live on after the person's death (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
The word sál is a feminine noun. The accusative singular form is sálu, and the definite accusative singular form is sálina.
Did you know?
- Old Norse people believed in the fylgja, a supernatural companion or 'follower' that represented a person's soul in animal form.
- While sál describes the spirit, Old Norse speakers also believed in the hugr, a soul-like entity that could leave the body to act as a messenger or a scout.
- The concept of sál became much more prominent in Old Norse literature after the introduction of Christianity, as earlier Pagan beliefs focused more on hamingja and fate.
Examples in context
- Syngi fyrir hennar sál.Sing for her soul.This sentence is useful for seeing how to use the form sál.Tatoeba #12433210 by Barend, translation #12433212 by Barend
- Óttalaus er andi þinn.Your spirit is fearless.
- Hún var góð sál.She was a good soul.
- Sál hans er friðsöm.His soul is peaceful.
Example conversation
Two friends discuss the nature of the afterlife.
- BjornHvar fer sál manns eftir dauða?Where does a man's soul go after death?
- AstridSál hans fer til Valhallar.His soul goes to Valhalla.
- BjornEr hver sál þá sæl?Is every soul then blessed?
- AstridAðeins þær er vel lifðu.Only those who conducted themselves well.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “soul” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
