þjófni

þjófni is an Old Norse term that translates to "theft" or "robbery." It refers to the act of unlawfully taking another person's property. In the context of Norse society, þjófni was a serious offense with significant social and legal repercussions.

Legal codes in the Viking Age, such as the Grágás from Iceland, outlined specific penalties for þjófni. The severity of the punishment often depended on the value of the stolen goods and whether the thief was caught in the act or apprehended later. Punishments could range from fines and compensation to exile or even death in some cases, particularly for repeated offenses or large-scale theft.

The concept of þjófni was not merely a legal one but also carried a strong moral and social stigma. Societies valued honor and the protection of property, and theft was seen as a betrayal of trust and a disruption of social order. The legal framework surrounding þjófni aimed to maintain stability and deter individuals from engaging in such acts. The word itself is a direct cognate of the English word "thief."