frumburður

Frumburður is an Old Norse term referring to the firstborn child, particularly the firstborn son, in a family. This designation held significant cultural and legal importance in ancient Norse society. The frumburður often inherited the family's property and was expected to take on the responsibilities of leading the household and lineage.

The concept of primogeniture, where inheritance is passed down to the eldest son, is central to the understanding of frumburður. This ensured a clear line of succession and maintained the continuity of family wealth and status. In the absence of sons, or in specific circumstances, daughters could also be recognized as frumburður, though this was less common and the inheritance rules could be more complex.

Beyond inheritance, the frumburður often carried spiritual and social obligations. They were seen as the embodiment of the family's future and were expected to uphold its honor and traditions. This role could be a source of both privilege and considerable pressure. The legal and social customs surrounding the frumburður varied across different regions and periods within the Norse world, but the core idea of the firstborn's special status remained a consistent theme.