Thorn (letter)

Thorn (Þ, þ) is a letter in the Old English, Icelandic, and Faroese alphabets. It represents the voiceless dental fricative sound (/θ/), which is similar to the "th" sound in the English word "thing." In this article, we will explore the history, usage, and significance of the Thorn letter.

History

The Thorn letter originated from the runic alphabet used by Germanic tribes during the early medieval period. It was later adopted into the Old English alphabet, where it represented the "th" sound. The shape of Thorn evolved over time, resembling a capital "Y" with a stroke through the stem. In manuscripts, it was often written as a lowercase "y" with a small loop at the top.

Usage

Thorn was widely used in Old English texts, including famous works like Beowulf and The Anglo-Saxon Chronicle. However, with the introduction of the printing press in the 15th century, typesetters faced difficulties in reproducing the Thorn letter accurately. As a result, the letter gradually fell out of use and was replaced by the digraph "th."

Modern Usage

Despite its decline in English, Thorn is still used in Icelandic and Faroese. In Icelandic, it represents the same voiceless dental fricative sound as in Old English. It is often found at the beginning of words, such as "Þingvellir" (a national park in Iceland) or "Þór" (the Norse god of thunder). In Faroese, Thorn is used to represent the voiced dental fricative sound (/ð/), which is similar to the "th" sound in the English word "this."

Significance

The Thorn letter holds cultural and historical significance. It is a symbol of the Old English language and its rich literary heritage. The use of Thorn in manuscripts and inscriptions provides valuable insights into the pronunciation and phonetics of Old English. Additionally, the letter's survival in Icelandic and Faroese demonstrates its resilience and importance in preserving linguistic traditions.

See Also

• Old English alphabet
• Icelandic language
• Faroese language