Haukur wrote regarding the Old Norse word for bear:

> The general word is 'bj�rn';
> thought to be derived from the same stem as 'brown'
> with the original IE-stem (lat. ursus) being lost
> due to a taboo.

I'm subscribed to the digest, so this may have been
asked and answered, but I'm curious about the taboo
you mentioned. Can you describe more about this
or point me to some writings? It sounds like a cultural
aspect of the Norse I would like to know more about.

Cheers,
Mike

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