Ffrith

Ffrith (sometimes anglicized as "Frith") refers to the concept of peace, sanctuary, and protection in early Germanic and particularly Old English law and society. It was a fundamental aspect of maintaining social order and preventing violence. The frith was a zone or condition where violence was prohibited, and individuals were guaranteed safety and protection under the law. Breaking the frith was a serious offense, often incurring a greater penalty than similar crimes committed outside of it.

The frith could be associated with specific locations, such as churches, royal residences, or even individual homes. It could also be granted temporarily, for example, during a truce or a legal assembly. The king, lords, and sometimes even common individuals could establish and maintain a frith within their respective jurisdictions.

The concept of frith is closely related to other Germanic legal terms such as grid (Old Norse), which shares a similar meaning of peace and protection. The violation of frith often resulted in the imposition of a wergild (man-price), a compensatory payment made to the victim or their family to atone for the offense and prevent further escalation of violence. The emphasis on frith demonstrates the importance placed on peace and the avoidance of blood feuds in early Germanic societies. The word reflects not just a legal framework but a cultural value centered around maintaining communal harmony and protecting individuals from harm.