þurrtóhentar

þurrtóhentar is an Old Norse term that translates literally to "dry hand" or "empty hand." It appears in various Old Norse texts, often in a legal or social context. The phrase generally signifies someone who is without possessions, wealth, or means of support. It can also imply a lack of resources or the inability to fulfill obligations, particularly those involving payment or compensation.

In legal proceedings, a þurrtóhentar individual might be someone who could not pay a fine or settle a debt. This could lead to various consequences, such as becoming an outlaw or being forced into servitude. The concept highlights the importance of economic stability and the social stigma associated with poverty and indebtedness in Old Norse society.

The term is not solely about financial destitution. It can also refer to a lack of influence or power, suggesting that a þurrtóhentar person is unable to assert themselves or command respect. This broader meaning emphasizes the connection between wealth, social standing, and personal agency in the Viking Age and earlier periods of Scandinavian history. The use of this phrase underscores the practical realities of survival and the social order of the time.