The Old English and Norse concept of fate, that which happens and has happened.
Wyrd is the Old English concept of fate, originally a verbal noun from 'weorthan', to become or happen. It is closely related to Old Norse Urðr, the eldest norn, whose name shares the same etymological root.
The concept does not imply a predetermined divine scheme but rather an understanding that what has occurred is immutable and shapes what is to come. In Old English poetry such as Beowulf wyrd is an ever-present force.
Attestations
- Beowulf, rad 455
- Wyrd as a concept of fate in the Old English epic.