Lit. as hist.
This is a work of literary criticism. However, using the Icelandic Sagas the author develops an idea of what Early Icelandic society and government was like. Iceland was the first trans-marine from Europe and its location allowed it to develop its own governing system differing from those in Europe. There were no wars with external enemies nor regional wars on the island. However, there were feuds between individuals and families. The Sagas provide a glimpse of the means of resolving conflicts in such a way as to maintain a balance of power within the society. Conflicts occurred over land, material goods, honor among other things. Parties to a dispute used social networks, bribes, etc. to obtain allies at the annual allthing where disputes were settled. It wasn't necessarily justice that was striven for but a balance in the society.
