þörunga

þörunga is a term found in Old Norse literature, most notably in the sagas, referring to a type of blood feud or vengeance. It describes a violent dispute that could span generations, often initiated by a killing or grave offense. The core concept of þörunga involves the obligation of kinsmen to avenge the death or injury of a family member, which in turn could lead to further retaliation from the opposing family. This cycle of violence was a significant aspect of early Scandinavian society.

The practice of þörunga was deeply embedded in the social and legal structures of the Viking Age. While formal legal systems existed, they were not always sufficient to resolve disputes, leading to the reliance on these blood feuds. The sagas frequently depict the devastating consequences of þörunga, illustrating how it could destabilize communities and bring about the downfall of prominent families. The resolution of a þörunga could be achieved through various means, including further bloodshed, reconciliation brokered by a third party, or the payment of weregild, a monetary compensation for the offense. The concept highlights the importance of honor, kinship, and social order in the Old Norse world.