Særrar

Særrar is a term that appears in certain historical Icelandic texts, notably the Sagas of Icelanders. It refers to a specific type of settlement or landholding. Unlike a typical farmstead, a særrar often implied a more isolated or less established dwelling, sometimes associated with more marginal lands or a less permanent form of habitation. The precise meaning and connotations of særrar can vary depending on the context within the saga. It is not a common term in modern Icelandic and is primarily of academic interest for understanding historical settlement patterns and social structures. Scholarly interpretations suggest that a særrar might have been a secondary holding, a temporary shelter, or a place of residence for individuals who did not own or fully control a primary farm. The term’s infrequent use and nuanced meaning highlight the complexity of Old Norse land tenure and societal organization.