Torbjörn
Encyclopedia
Torbjörn, Thorbjörn, Torbjørn or Thorbjørn (given name
) are modern Swedish, Norwegian and Danish forms of the Old Norse name Þòrbjörn, meaning thunder
(from the name Thor
) and bear
.
Other variants of the name include the Danish/German form Torben and the predominantly German form Thorben. English variants include Thurburn, Thorburn
, Thorbern, Thorebern, Thorber, and Thurber, which are however normally used as surnames.
, the Aesir (Norse pagan gods) would sometimes exert their influence in the affairs of mortal men. For instance, if two Viking
clans found themselves in dispute and met on the battlefield, the Aesir might send forth Thor to participate in the confrontation on whichever side they favored. In this case, Thor would take the form of a large black bear and charge ahead of the selected victors when the battling lines clashed, literally ripping the hapless losers to shreds.
Needless to say, the losing side wouldn't much appreciate this interference. Retreat, even when facing a superior opponent, would forever destroy the family honor and reputation of a Viking warrior. On the other hand, no army could ever hope to withstand the power of Thor; hence, the battle turned into a suicide mission with no honor to be gained, only retained - or lost.
In turn, the chosen victors would be equally displeased, since such a fight was obviously unfair and their victory a hollow one with no inherent honor. They too, however, could not retreat, since having the Aesir win the battle for them without putting themselves in harm's way would amount to equally disgraceful cowardice.
awarding the Nobel Peace Prize
to Barack Obama
.
Given name
A given name, in Western contexts often referred to as a first name, is a personal name that specifies and differentiates between members of a group of individuals, especially in a family, all of whose members usually share the same family name...
) are modern Swedish, Norwegian and Danish forms of the Old Norse name Þòrbjörn, meaning thunder
Thunder
Thunder is the sound made by lightning. Depending on the nature of the lightning and distance of the listener, thunder can range from a sharp, loud crack to a long, low rumble . The sudden increase in pressure and temperature from lightning produces rapid expansion of the air surrounding and within...
(from the name Thor
Thor
In Norse mythology, Thor is a hammer-wielding god associated with thunder, lightning, storms, oak trees, strength, the protection of mankind, and also hallowing, healing, and fertility...
) and bear
Bear
Bears are mammals of the family Ursidae. Bears are classified as caniforms, or doglike carnivorans, with the pinnipeds being their closest living relatives. Although there are only eight living species of bear, they are widespread, appearing in a wide variety of habitats throughout the Northern...
.
Other variants of the name include the Danish/German form Torben and the predominantly German form Thorben. English variants include Thurburn, Thorburn
Thorburn
Thorburn is a surname, and may refer to:* Alexander Thorburn , Scottish-born Canadian politician; provincial legislator in the Northwest Territories 1888–1891* Archibald Thorburn , Scottish bird illustrator...
, Thorbern, Thorebern, Thorber, and Thurber, which are however normally used as surnames.
Etymology
According to Norse mythologyNorse mythology
Norse mythology, a subset of Germanic mythology, is the overall term for the myths, legends and beliefs about supernatural beings of Norse pagans. It flourished prior to the Christianization of Scandinavia, during the Early Middle Ages, and passed into Nordic folklore, with some aspects surviving...
, the Aesir (Norse pagan gods) would sometimes exert their influence in the affairs of mortal men. For instance, if two Viking
Viking
The term Viking is customarily used to refer to the Norse explorers, warriors, merchants, and pirates who raided, traded, explored and settled in wide areas of Europe, Asia and the North Atlantic islands from the late 8th to the mid-11th century.These Norsemen used their famed longships to...
clans found themselves in dispute and met on the battlefield, the Aesir might send forth Thor to participate in the confrontation on whichever side they favored. In this case, Thor would take the form of a large black bear and charge ahead of the selected victors when the battling lines clashed, literally ripping the hapless losers to shreds.
Needless to say, the losing side wouldn't much appreciate this interference. Retreat, even when facing a superior opponent, would forever destroy the family honor and reputation of a Viking warrior. On the other hand, no army could ever hope to withstand the power of Thor; hence, the battle turned into a suicide mission with no honor to be gained, only retained - or lost.
In turn, the chosen victors would be equally displeased, since such a fight was obviously unfair and their victory a hollow one with no inherent honor. They too, however, could not retreat, since having the Aesir win the battle for them without putting themselves in harm's way would amount to equally disgraceful cowardice.
Derived terms
In 2009, New York Times columnist Yoni Brenner, in an op-ed titled "Norwegian Word", proposed the term "thorbjorning", which means to give someone their reward before they have accomplished what they set out to do, in response to Thorbjørn JaglandThorbjørn Jagland
is a Norwegian politician for the Labour Party, currently serving as the Secretary-General of the Council of Europe...
awarding the Nobel Peace Prize
Nobel Peace Prize
The Nobel Peace Prize is one of the five Nobel Prizes bequeathed by the Swedish industrialist and inventor Alfred Nobel.-Background:According to Nobel's will, the Peace Prize shall be awarded to the person who...
to Barack Obama
Barack Obama
Barack Hussein Obama II is the 44th and current President of the United States. He is the first African American to hold the office. Obama previously served as a United States Senator from Illinois, from January 2005 until he resigned following his victory in the 2008 presidential election.Born in...
.