Sniðja

Sniðja is a term that appears in Old Norse literature, most notably in the sagas. Its precise meaning has been a subject of scholarly discussion, but it is generally understood to refer to a type of female servant or bondswoman. The word is derived from the Old Norse verb "snúa," meaning "to turn," and "sniðja" can be interpreted as one who turns or works the land, or perhaps one who is turned about or moved from place to place, suggesting a lack of autonomy.

In the context of Old Norse society, women of lower social standing often performed various domestic and agricultural tasks. Sniðjur would have likely been involved in activities such as cooking, cleaning, spinning, weaving, and assisting with fieldwork. Their status was distinct from that of free women and also from enslaved individuals who might have been brought from outside of Scandinavia.

The literary evidence for "sniðja" suggests they were a recognizable part of the household economy. While not slaves in the chattel sense, their position implied dependency and a lack of personal freedom, though they may have had some rights or protections within the community. The term's usage in sagas helps shed light on the complex social stratification and the roles occupied by women in ancient Norse society.