Question 1

How does the phrase öðru megin... hinum megin work in this sentence?

Accepted Answer

This is a set correlative phrase meaning "on one side... on the other side". It is formed using the dative neuter forms of annar (öðru) and hinn (hinum), paired with megin (side). You will use this exact pairing constantly when contrasting two physical sides or opposing perspectives.

Question 2

Why does the second clause say var hún instead of hún var?

Accepted Answer

This is the V2 (verb-second) rule in action. Because the second clause starts with the adverbial phrase hinum megin (on the other side), the verb var must take the second grammatical slot, pushing the subject hún to the third position.

Question 3

Why are the adjectives mikil and lítil in these forms, and why is the pronoun hún used for "it"?

Accepted Answer

They all must agree with the subject, snerpan (the quickness), which is a feminine noun. Because of this, the adjectives take the feminine nominative singular forms mikil and lítil, and we must use the feminine pronoun hún (literally "she") to refer back to it in the second clause.

Question 4

The word snerpa is translated as "quickness" here. Does it have other common meanings?

Accepted Answer

Yes, snerpa is a very expressive word. While it means "quickness", "agility", or "burst of speed" (often used in sports), it can also mean "sharpness" or "ferocity" when describing weather, like a sudden, sharp gust of wind or a harsh winter storm.

Snerpan var mikil öðru megin, en hinum megin var hún lítil.

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