mönnuðum

Mönnuðum is a term that appears in Icelandic sagas and historical texts. It generally refers to a man who has been "mannaðr," meaning something akin to "manned" or "staffed." This could imply a ship being fully crewed, a settlement being adequately populated, or a military force being sufficiently supplied with men. The concept of being mönnuðum was important for the successful operation of various endeavors in Viking Age and medieval Iceland, from seafaring and trade to defense and governance.

The context in which mönnuðum is used often provides clues to its precise meaning. For instance, a longship might be described as mönnuðum when it is ready to set sail, indicating it has a sufficient number of rowers and warriors. Similarly, a fort or settlement could be considered mönnuðum if it has enough people to defend it or carry out its daily functions. The term emphasizes the human element required for a group or entity to be considered complete and functional. Its usage highlights the practical concerns of a society reliant on collective effort and adequate manpower for survival and prosperity.