From Charismatic Power to State Power: The Political History of Iceland 1096—1281
From Charismatic Power to State Power: The Political History of Iceland 1096—1281

Summary/Abstract: In the 11th century, Iceland was in an extraordinary political and legal situation in comparison to other countries of the contemporaneous Europe. Precisely, it lacked both central and territorial executive power, be it secular or ecclesiastical. The tithe, established in 1096, was the first regular tax introduced in Iceland. It was a dominant factor transforming the structure of the local Church. Moreover, it initiated the important changes within the Icelandic society, which was gradually ceasing to be anachronistic, and thus it was becoming more similar to other European communities. This paper attempts to answer numerous vital questions emerging in this context. Firstly, what was the role that the Church of Iceland played in the adaptation of a new perspective on power and its execution? Secondly, in what manner were these changes reflected in a new approach to the execution of law of the elite among Iceland settlers? Finally, regarding the political turbulences caused by the aforementioned changes, why was the submission to the king of Norway the only right solution?

• Details
• Contents