Like the God Tyr, for Whom Tuesday Is Named — NYT Mini Crossword Clue (October 13, 2025)
Norse mythology makes frequent crossword cameos. This clue taps into weekday etymology and mythological heritage to arrive at a crisp five-letter answer.
2 Down
Like the god Tyr, for whom Tuesday is named
Tyr belongs to the pantheon of Norse deities. The link between Tuesday and Tyr dates back to Old English "Tiwesdæg," preserving the cultural heritage that modern crosswords love to reference.
Clue Interpretation
Mythological Context
- Tyr is a war god in Norse mythology, famed for courage and sacrifice.
- Many weekdays trace back to Norse figures: Thursday from Thor, Friday from Frigg.
- Word Tips hints stressed the Scandinavian linguistic roots of the answer.
Crossword Mechanics
- N intersects 6-Across ("Like some minds, martinis and money" → DIRTY).
- O crosses 5-Across (NONO), while R locks with 1-Across (KNOB).
- S and E confirm through 3-Down (ONTOP) and 4-Down (BOY), sealing the entry.
Solver Strategies
Recognize Weekday Origins
Crossword editors often lean on etymology for accessible trivia. Remembering the mythological roots of weekdays streamlines clues like this.
Expect Cultural Vocabulary
Short answers tied to culture or history (like NORSE) appear frequently because they offer rich educational value with fair crossings.
Confirm with Crossing Letters
The unique combination of N-R-S ensures minimal ambiguity. Even if you only know the myth vaguely, the crossings remove doubt.
Tap Word Tips Insights
The Word Tips page offered an anagram of "oners" and highlighted "Of Vikings, perhaps," reinforcing the cultural direction of the clue.
Culture Corner
Other Norse Crossword Faves
- Odin
- Thor
- Loki
- Freya
Language Links
The word "Norse" can reference the language family or the broader cultural identity spanning Norway, Denmark, and Iceland.
Letter Map
N-O-R-S-E uses alternating consonants and vowels, a friendly pattern that keeps crossing letters distinct and solvable.