sinnsboð

Sinnboð is a term originating from Old Norse and is generally understood to refer to a "house guest" or "invited guest." In historical Scandinavian contexts, particularly during the Viking Age and into the medieval period, the concept of sinnboð held significant social and cultural importance. Inviting guests into one's home was a demonstration of hospitality, a crucial aspect of social bonding, and often involved elaborate feasts and gift-giving.

The word itself can be broken down into "sinn" (meaning "his" or "her" or "their," referring to the host's property or person) and "boð" (meaning "invitation," "feast," or "gathering"). Therefore, a sinnboð was someone who had been formally invited to partake in the hospitality of a household. This invitation was not merely a casual social gesture; it carried obligations for both the host and the guest. The host was expected to provide food, drink, and shelter, while the guest was expected to show respect, good behavior, and often to bring a gift or offer a service.

The presence of a sinnboð could also signify alliances, trade relations, or the strengthening of social networks. The well-being and safety of a guest were paramount, and mistreating or harming a sinnboð could have serious social and legal repercussions for the host. While the term itself is archaic, the underlying principles of hospitality and guest-friendship it represents have echoes in many cultures throughout history and continue to hold relevance.