friðgreið

Friðgreið is an Old Norse term that translates roughly to "peace payment" or "peace offering." It was a customary practice in Viking Age Scandinavia, serving as a means to settle disputes, prevent feuds, or appease injured parties. When a wrong had been committed, whether an injury, an insult, or a theft, the offender or their kin would offer a friðgreið to the victim or their family. This payment was not necessarily a monetary sum, though it could involve valuables like silver, gold, or livestock. It could also take the form of goods, services, or even the surrender of a valuable item.

The purpose of friðgreið was to restore social order and prevent escalating violence. By accepting the payment, the injured party or their family signaled their willingness to forgo further retaliation or vengeance. This was crucial in a society where blood feuds could have devastating consequences for entire communities. The amount and nature of the friðgreið were often subject to negotiation and could be influenced by the severity of the offense, the social standing of the individuals involved, and the prevailing customs of the region. While it did not erase the wrongdoing, the friðgreið served as a practical mechanism for maintaining peace and stability.