vormynstur
Vormynstur, also known as the "Old Norse Law of the Thing," refers to the traditional assembly system in Icelandic and Norse society, particularly prominent during the Viking Age and the early medieval period. The term *vör* means "assembly" or "meeting," while *mynstur* translates to "custom" or "tradition," collectively describing the formal gatherings where free men would convene to discuss and settle legal, social, and communal matters.
These assemblies were central to the governance of Iceland, which lacked centralized authority. Each region had
The structure of vormynstur was highly democratic for its time, with each free man having the right
Vormynstur also included a system of oaths and mutual pledges, where participants would swear to uphold decisions
Today, vormynstur is studied as a foundational aspect of Norse governance, illustrating early democratic principles and