--- "llama_nom" wrote:

> > Hann bað föður sinn ráða.
> > He asked his father to advise/take care of it. (Cook - "told his
> Father to see to it")
>
>
> If I've understood this right, I *think* that Sk.H. is just saying:
> "as you wish", "if you like, then I'll get married", "I won't object
> if that's what you want". Some other examples:

I mentioned this in my notes to Alan's translation
the other day, i.e. the two basic meanings of "ráða",
1) to advise, 2) to be the boss, tell others what to
do, be in control, in charge, make the decisions.

Children playing say "Ég ræð!" = "I'm in charge, I get
to tell the rest of you what to do!" Thus also:

yfirráð = authority, power over others
ráða yfir = be in control, be the boss of
ráðamaður = boss, person in charge
ráðherra = minister
ráðhús = town hall
ráðríkur = domineering, bossy
ráðskona = housekeeper
ráðsmaður = household manager

A phrase like "Hann bað föður sinn ráða" can
be ambiguous, but the context will usually tell.
"Ráða" can be gen. pl. of noun "ráð", or inf.
of the verb. In the former instance the meaning
is "she asked he father for advice", but in the
second "she ask her father to decide, take charge
of the situation".

Regards,
Eysteinn