Question 1

Why is lokaðist in the past tense if this is about a hypothetical future event?

Accepted Answer

In Icelandic, just like in English, we use the past subjunctive in the ef (if) clause to express a hypothetical or unlikely situation. Even though lokaðist translates literally as 'closed', it functions here to mean 'if it were to close'.

Question 2

How do we form the 'would' part of the conditional sentence?

Accepted Answer

The main clause uses myndi, which is the past subjunctive form of the helper verb munu. To say 'would destroy', you simply pair myndi with the infinitive of the main verb, eyðileggja.

Question 3

Why does lokaðist end in -st?

Accepted Answer

This is the middle voice form of the verb loka (to close). If a person actively closes something, you use the regular active verb. But when a portal or door closes on its own, you add the -st suffix to show that the action happens automatically or to itself.

Question 4

Why does the main clause start with myndi rather than the subject svartholið?

Accepted Answer

This is the V2 (verb-second) rule in action. The entire ef clause counts as the first piece of information in the sentence. To keep the main verb in the second position, myndi must come right after the comma, pushing the subject svartholið after it.

Question 5

What case is alheiminn and why?

Accepted Answer

It is in the accusative case. The verb eyðileggja (to destroy) forces its object to be in the accusative. Since alheimur (universe) is a masculine word, adding the definite article in the accusative makes it alheiminn (the universe).

Ef gáttin lokaðist, myndi svartholið eyðileggja alheiminn.

Breakdown of Ef gáttin lokaðist, myndi svartholið eyðileggja alheiminn.

Questions & Answers about Ef gáttin lokaðist, myndi svartholið eyðileggja alheiminn.

Learn Ef gáttin lokaðist, myndi svartholið eyðileggja alheiminn and more in Icelandic