Women in Old Norse Society

Jenny Jochens is Professor of History at Towson State University.

Preface

Introduction

Chapter One. Gudny Bodvarsdottir and Gudrun Gjukadottir: Nordic-Germanic Continuity

Chapter Two. Marriage
The Pagan-Christian Conflict
Pagan Marriage
Christian Marriage
Two Marriages
Divorce and Widowhood

Chapter Three. Reproduction
Conception: Theory and Knowledge
Heterosexual Lovemaking
Sexual Initiative
Pregnancy and Birth
Paternity
Infanticide
Baptism
Reproduction and Royal Succession

Chapter Four. Leisure
Work before Leisure
Gender
Idleness and Sleep
Sports and Games
Storytelling
Drinking and Word Games
Emotional Distress
Politics

Chapter Five. Work
Gender Division of Labor
Outdoor Work
Indoor Work

Chapter Six. The Economics of Homespun
General Use
Coats
Cloth as Medium of Exchange
Export of Cloth and Coats
Measurements
Foreign Cloth

Conclusion

Appendix: Sources
Sagas of Icelanders
Kings'Sagas
Contemporary Sagas
Laws
Christianity, Historicity, Oral Tradition, and Poststructural Doubt

Abbreviations
Notes
Bibliography
Index