----- Original Message -----
From: "Patricia" <originalpatricia@...>
To: <norse_course@yahoogroups.com>
Sent: Wednesday, July 12, 2006 8:03 AM
Subject: Re: [norse_course] Njal end of chapter 7 and beginning of chapter 8
/ Alan's Translation

níu tigu hundraða fjár. (how much is that?)

The estimate of the Brides Portion is originally sixty hundreds - an earlier
chapter, so in claiming a 50% increase - methinks Morð doth protest too
much - and is "trying it on - the rascal"
How much is that - well I should say in anyone's currency - simply a hell of
a lot
---------------------------------------
The notes by M.M. and H.P. say the following:
*The 'hundred' (in fact 120) refers to ells of woollen cloth, and was a
common method of computing value. Six Icelandic ells (approximately three
yards) were equivalent to one legal ounce, and there were eight ounces in
the legal mark. Thus, Unn's dowry was 150 marks. Hrut's inheritance of 200
marks was actually 240 marks. In terms of livestock, one milch cow or six
sheep were worth nearly two marks at this time. Unn's dowry was equivalent
to 80 cows, Hrut's inheritance to 128 cows.

*Mord Fiddle lays claim to the whole marriage-settlement - Unn's own dowry
plus Hrut's contribution. According to Icelandic law, the wife had a right
to all the money involved if the husband was the 'guilty party' in the
divorce.

Laurel