óháðr

Óháðr is an Old Norse term that translates to "independent" or "unbound." It carries connotations of freedom from external control, self-reliance, and autonomy. In historical and literary contexts, óháðr could describe a person who was not beholden to a lord or master, a free farmer, or a warrior who fought for their own reasons rather than in service to another. The concept often contrasted with terms signifying servitude or dependence, such as *þræll* (thrall) or *leysingi* (freedman).

The idea of being óháðr was valued in Norse society, reflecting a desire for personal liberty and the ability to make one's own decisions. This independence was often linked to owning land, possessing wealth, and having the strength or skill to defend oneself. While not necessarily implying complete isolation, it suggested a status where one was not obligated to serve or obey another, thereby having agency over their own life and actions. The term can appear in sagas and poetry to characterize individuals who possessed a strong sense of self-determination and refused to be easily swayed or controlled.