Who were the godar in early Icelandic society?

In early Icelandic society, the godar (singular godi) were a class of approximately 40 chieftains who served as the country's ruling elite during the Commonwealth period (c. 930–1262).1

Originally associated with the organization of heathen worship, the godar held significant political and judicial authority in the absence of a central royal power. Their roles included:1

• Legislative Power: They served on the law council (lögrétta) at the Althing, where they were responsible for creating and amending laws.1
• Judicial Oversight: They nominated the householders who served on panels of judges at both the national assembly at Thingvellir and at local assemblies.1
• Chieftaincy Management: They oversaw a godord, or chieftaincy, to which all farmers were legally required to belong. While farmers could theoretically switch their allegiance between godar, the chieftains also held the right to expel followers.1

It is important to note that this system was not a true democracy; power was concentrated among the godar, and the political system excluded women, workers, and enslaved individuals.1