Þingnefnda

Þingnefnda is a term from medieval Icelandic governance that refers to committees or delegations appointed by the thing, the general assembly, to carry out specific tasks or oversee particular matters. The word combines þing, meaning assembly, with nefnd, meaning committee, and the form þingnefnda denotes the plural of such committees.

In practice, a þingnefnd consisted of a small group of trusted men who were chosen by the thing or by influential figures within the political system. Their functions varied, but commonly included investigating disputes, drafting decisions or laws, negotiating settlements between parties, or presenting findings and recommendations to the full assembly. The use of such committees allowed the thing to handle complex or time-consuming matters more efficiently and to ensure deliberations were based on evidence and discussion before being presented to the larger body.

Evidence for the existence and use of þingnefndir appears in contemporary legal texts and narrative sources from medieval Iceland, including the Grágás law codes and various sagas such as Sturlunga saga. These sources illustrate how delegated bodies operated within the Icelandic legal and political framework, reflecting practices of delegation, accountability, and collective decision-making.

Today, the term is primarily encountered in historical and scholarly contexts. In modern Icelandic parliamentary language, committees are generally referred to as nefndir, while þingnefndir remains a historical designation illustrating how the early Alþingi organized governance through delegated bodies.