Animal-Human Relationships: Life on the Farmsteads of Medieval Iceland

• Main Author: Garth, Michael, 1997-
• Other Authors: Háskóli Íslands
• Format: Thesis
• Language: English
• Published: 2020
• Subjects: Íslensk miðaldafræði; Dýr; Íslendingasögur; Iceland
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/1946/36984

This thesis focuses on animal-human relationships in medieval Iceland, particularly focusing on the landnám and Icelandic Commonwealth. Animal-human relationships, due to the inherent diversity of such a topic, are organized into three categories of analysis: practical, emotional, and sociocultural. Practical relationships are those which focus on providing a service or product to humans. These are, typically, frequent and straightforward interactions that form the foundation for other relationships. Emotional relationships are emotional connections developed through interactions with animals. Companionship, empathy, and the personification of farm animals are some of the ways in which emotional relationships can manifest in the historical record. Sociocultural relationships are the ways in which animals affect interpersonal relationships, culture, and society. Just as the actions of humans can affect relationship dynamics between other humans, the presence and actions of animals can affect the interpersonal dynamics within human society. This thesis proposes that medieval Icelandic society was pervaded by and was inseparable from farm animals. The role of domesticates went beyond just a means for subsistence. Domesticated farm animals became an integral part of the Icelandic lifestyle and identity. The effects were so pervasive that Icelanders judged themselves, as well as each other, based on their interactions with animals. In order to demonstrate these claims, this paper examines various Íslendingasögur, laws from Grágás, archaeological material, and secondary sources.