óbeinni

Óbeinni is a term that appears in Old Norse literature, often translated as "indirect inheritance" or "collateral inheritance." It refers to a system of succession where property or a title passes to relatives who are not direct descendants of the deceased. This could include siblings, cousins, nephews, or more distant kin, depending on the specific laws and customs of the time and place.

In many early Germanic societies, including those depicted in Old Norse sagas, there was a strong emphasis on kinship and the preservation of family property. When a man died without a direct heir, óbeinni allowed for the estate to remain within the broader family unit rather than being lost to outsiders or the state. The rules governing who qualified for óbeinni could be complex, often prioritizing male relatives and those closest in blood.

The concept of óbeinni highlights the importance of lineage and the collective nature of family wealth and status in Old Norse society. It contrasts with modern inheritance laws that typically focus on direct descendants, such as children and grandchildren. Understanding óbeinni provides insight into the social and legal structures of the Viking Age and the mechanisms by which power and property were maintained and transferred across generations.