What is the origin of the name Týr?
The name Týr stems from the Proto-Germanic word Tīwaz which simply means God. This single term served as a title or epithet that eventually became associated with a specific deity whose original name is now lost.
Questions about Týr
Short answers, pulled from the story.
How did ancient Romans identify the Germanic god Týr?
Latin inscriptions frequently refer to the god as Mars through the process known as interpretatio romana. A 3rd century Latin inscription from Housesteads Roman Fort bears the phrase Mars Thingsus which represents a Latin rendering of the Proto-Germanic theonym Tīwaz.
Why does the god Týr have only one hand in Norse mythology?
Týr steps forward and places his right hand into the jaws of the monstrous beast Fenrir during the binding ritual. When the fetter fails to hold the wolf, Fenrir bites off the hand at the location now called the wolf-joint or wrist.
Where were archaeological sacrifices to Týr discovered in Denmark?
Archaeologists have found traces of sacrifices going back 2,500 years in Viby Jutland Denmark. This site contains a meadow once called Tyr's meadow near a stream known as the dead stream.
Which modern English weekday derives its name from Týr?
The modern English weekday name Tuesday derives directly from Old English Tīwesdæg meaning day of Tīw. All forms stem from Late Proto-Germanic *Tīwaz dagaz which translates to Day of Mars in Latin.