Ginnungagap

Old Norse Etymology Compound of non ginnunga gap gap, empty space. The first element is of uncertain origin and meaning and has been explained in a number of ways. (1) It is related to gem-pro *ginnaną, from which gem-pro *biginnaną to begin descended, thus meaning "primeval". (2) The prefix non ginn- (for instance in non ginnheilagr most holy, used of the supreme gods), therefore giving the meaning "mighty, vast". (3) Old Norse non gína to gape; to be astonished + non -ung forms verbal nouns from verbs; -ation; -ing, i.e. "gap of the gapings" or similar. (4) A genitive plural of non ginnungr hawk, which would give an air-kenning "hawk-gap" referring to the midspace between earth and heaven. This sense is attested by Snorre, who gives non ginnungagap as a synonym for "air", and supported by the sky-kenning ginnunga vé "mansions of hawks" as found in Haustlǫng. Pronunciation non / ˈɡi.nːoŋ.ɡɑ.ˌɡɑp/ Proper noun n Ginnungagaps non Norse mythology Ginnungagap, primordial chaos