--- In norse_course@yahoogroups.com, Haukur Þorgeirsson
<haukurth@...> wrote:

>
> I'd emphasize the 'nú' here. I don't think the sentence
> would work without it. To me the effect is to make the
> hypothetical event slightly more real or vivid than using
> a subjunctive construction would. I'd translate along
> these lines:
>
> "Now, let's say you break your ship..."

Thanks! I don't think I've met this expression in Icelandic before;
I'll keep a look out for more examples.

Speaking of subjunctives, I see that they are expected if the "if"
is part of a more complicated conjunction, e.g. with NEMA "unless",
or summarising Zoega's definitions of ENDA:

1. and if +subj.
2. even if +subj.
3. even
4. but only if +subj.
5. and indeed, and of course, and also, and besides
6. and yet, but
7. (elliptical, without preceeding premis) "And now..."

Llama Nom