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tinget

Tinget is a term used primarily in the Scandinavian linguistic context, derived from the Old Norse word “þing,” meaning “assembly” or “meeting.” In modern Norwegian, Danish and Swedish, the suffix –et functions as the definite article, so “tinget” translates literally as “the assembly” or “the thing.” Historically, tinget referred to regional governing assemblies that convened in the Viking Age and medieval period to settle disputes, enact laws, and elect leaders. These assemblies were fundamental to the early legal and political structures of Norway, Iceland, Denmark and Sweden, and their influence is evident in place‑names such as “Tingsted” (Denmark) and “Tingvall” (Sweden).

In contemporary usage, the most prominent example is the Norwegian parliament, the Stortinget, whose name literally

The concept of tinget has been the subject of scholarly study in legal history, anthropology and political

means
“the
great
assembly.”
The
term
also
appears
in
the
names
of
local
councils,
historical
sites,
and
cultural
institutions
that
wish
to
evoke
the
tradition
of
communal
decision‑making.
Several
small
settlements
in
Norway
and
Sweden
retain
the
name
Tinget,
often
located
near
former
assembly
sites
and
archaeological
remains.
science,
illustrating
the
evolution
from
informal
tribal
gatherings
to
structured
legislative
bodies.
Modern
references
to
tinget
may
appear
in
literature,
folklore
and
tourism
materials,
emphasizing
both
its
historical
significance
and
its
symbolic
association
with
democratic
discourse
in
the
Nordic
heritage.