tollaskyldur

Tollaskyldur is a concept that originated in ancient Scandinavian law, particularly in Iceland. It is a medieval Icelandic moral and penal legislation that governed the responsibilities and liability of landowners. The term "tollaskyldur" can be translated to English as "chiefs' obligation" or "highmen's guardianship".

Historically, tollaskyldur referred to the duty of the chieftain or landowner to protect his subjects and servants from harm. This included providing for their economic well-being, defending them against external threats, and ensuring their physical safety. As such, tollaskyldur was a key aspect of medieval Icelandic law, which was based on the idea of reciprocal obligations between lords and their vassals.

Under the tollaskyldur system, landowners were responsible for the debts and misdeeds of their servants. If a servant committed a crime or damaged property, the landowner was considered liable for the consequences. Conversely, the landowner was entitled to a portion of the servant's goods and possessions, which was known as the " manft". This system was designed to maintain social order and ensure that the feudal relationship between lord and vassal remained intact.

Tollaskyldur is often mentioned in historical texts, such as the Icelandic Code and the Laxdæla saga. While the concept has largely disappeared from modern Icelandic law, it remains an important part of the country's cultural and historical heritage.