The office and client network held by an Icelandic chieftain-priest.
The goðorð was the institutional foundation of Icelandic politics during the Free State period, consisting of the goði's formal office and the network of þingmenn who were personally bound to him. It was not a territory but a personal relationship.
Goðorð could be owned, divided, and transferred, creating a fluid power structure unique to Iceland. The number of goðorð was stabilised by the Ulfljót's law at thirty-six distributed among the four quarters.
Attestations
- Landnámabók, inledning
- Describes the establishment of goðorð during Iceland's settlement.