What is forn?

Forn is an Old Norse word with several related meanings. It can refer to:

• Ancient times or the distant past. This is perhaps its most common meaning.

• Ancient laws, customs, or traditions. It signifies things that are old and established.

• Things of the past, relics, or antiques. It represents objects that survive from earlier eras.

The word is often used as a prefix, such as in fornminne (ancient monument) or fornsagnir (ancient tales or sagas). It emphasizes the age and historical significance of the subject. Forn relates to the study of the past, antiquity and things that are old.