Of Godi

From: Klaus Ole Kristiansen <klaus_at_diku.dk>
Date: Fri, 31 Jan 1997 12:26:32 +0100


I don't know what the original singular/plural were. Modern Danish has one gode several goder. This is probably far from Old Norse.

One thing that puzzles historians is why the Icelandic setlers of Norwegian stock would use the Danish priestly title godi for their political leaders. It was the political leaders, not the priests, who got to keep that title in Iceland when the functions split.

The main function of a godi was appointing judges for various courts. The godir (?) themselves sat on the court of law, Iceland's legislative assembly. There was no executive branch. None whatever. What good is winning in court if your friends are few? as the old proverb goes. It was up to the winner and his friends to enforce the verdict.

Status as godi was property. It could not only be inherited, but also bought. Note that both oaths and transactions performed under duress were valid. So if you appear on the doorstep of a godi with an army at your back, he might be inclined to sell. That is how the system broke down. A few men gathered all the godi positions. Where there had been 12 men, each appointing 1/3 of the judges at one of the four shire courts of northern Iceland, there was one man appointing all judges in the North Quarter and 1/4 of the judges of the central courts, and with 12 votes on the Court of Law.

Klaus O K


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