þec selfne
In Old English, the English phrase 'yourself' is expressed as þec selfne.
This term is a reflexive pronoun used to refer back to the person being spoken to as 'your own self'.
Meaning: (reflexive) your own self (pron)
Which one should you use?
While þec selfne is the standard form, Þu sylf is an alternative form used to refer to oneself.
Did you know?
- Old English used different versions of selfne depending on whether the 'yourself' being referred to was masculine, feminine or neuter.
- The spelling of þec uses the character þ, known as 'thorn', which represents the 'th' sound in 'thin' and has since disappeared from modern English.
- In Old English, the word 'self' often functioned as an intensifier to emphasize that a person acted alone, rather than just acting as a reflexive pronoun.
Examples in context
- Læd þec selfne on þone weg.Lead yourself on the way.
Example conversation
A warrior giving advice to a young man before a journey.
- ÆthelflædGodric, heald þec selfne strangne.Godric, hold yourself strong.
- GodricIc wille þæt dōn, Æthelflæd.I will do that, Æthelflæd.
- ÆthelflædLæd þec selfne mid weorþscipe.Lead yourself with honor.
- GodricIc þancie þē, mīn hlǣfdige.I thank you, my lady.
