nykk

Norwegian Nynorsk

FWOTD – 26 June 2019

Alternative forms

• nøkk

Etymology

From Old Norse nykr.

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /nʏkː/

Noun

nykk m (definite singular nykken, indefinite plural nykkar, definite plural nykkane)

1. (Norwegian folklore) a nix; a supernatural being that dwells in freshwater streams and lakes, often associated with music.
   • 1862, Aasta Hansteen, (translated from Johan Sebastian Welhaven), "Sætrevisa"

     Der maa du 'ke lata upp din munn. Sjølv' nykken han tarv, innunder runn, sakt lata harpa brusa.

     There you must not open your mouth. Even the nix has to sound his harp softly beneath the bushes there.

References

• “nykk” in The Nynorsk Dictionary.