godar

Icelandic chieftain class

Also known as: godi

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June 29, 2026

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The term "godar" (singular "godi") refers to a class of Icelandic chieftains who formed the ruling class during Iceland's Commonwealth period (c. 930–1262). There were approximately 40 godar, and in the absence of a central royal power, they organized religious worship and political life.12

The godar held significant influence in the Icelandic assembly, the Althing, where they made and amended laws. They also nominated judges for local and general courts. While farmers were legally obligated to belong to a chieftaincy, they theoretically had the freedom to change their allegiance to a different godi. This system, however, did not extend democratic practices to women or workers. The godar retained their political roles even after Iceland's conversion to Christianity around 999 or 1000 CE.12

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Iceland
Commonwealth (c. 930–1262)
…distinct class of chieftains called godar (singular godi), of which there were about 40. In the absence of royal power in Iceland, the godar were to form the ruling class in the country.
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…distinct class of chieftains called godar (singular godi), of which there were about 40. In the absence of royal power in Iceland, the godar were to form the ruling class in the country.
Read More