ólögr

Ólögr is a term of Old Norse origin that roughly translates to "unlawful" or "without law." It is often encountered in the context of ancient Germanic legal systems and social structures. The concept of ólögr refers to a state of being outside the established legal framework or customary practices of a community. This could apply to individuals who were outlawed, meaning they were stripped of legal protection and could be killed with impunity. It could also describe actions or situations that were considered contrary to the accepted norms and laws of the time, and therefore subject to severe penalties or social ostracism. In essence, ólögr represented a state of being cast out from the social and legal order, rendering a person or action illegitimate. Understanding ólögr provides insight into the importance of law, community membership, and social order in Old Norse society.