History of Norway

Etymology

According to traditional Icelandic sagas, the "Nor" in Norway is from king Nor Thorrasson, who after founding his sister went home to his territory. (See Orkneyinga saga.) However, modern etymologists believe the country's name means "the northern way" (the way north). This northern way is actually a strait between the island Karmøy and the mainland. The first king of Norway, King Harald Fairhair, lived on the island while he unified the realm. This strait had some importance, since it was the only practical ship route up north. The strait was called "the way north", and so the kingdom got its name — in Old Norse Norvegr or *Norðvegr, in Anglosaxon Norþweg, in mediaeval Latin Northvegia. The present name of the Kingdom of Norway in Norwegian Nynorsk is "Kongeriket Noreg", which is only a couple of letters removed from the original "northern way"; "Nor(d)-(v)eg".

Related Topics:
Icelandic sagas - Norway - Nor Thorrasson - Orkneyinga saga - Etymologists - Karmøy - Harald Fairhair - Norwegian Nynorsk

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