Tying of Two and More: Love, Marriage, and Elopement in Divulvæva

Chapter 4 delves deeply into women’s experiences of love, illuminating how love can be perceived as a transgression when it challenges parental authority and societal norms. Titled ‘Tying of Two and More’, this chapter explores elopement as a common method of entering into marriages, where a woman’s decision to bind herself to a family in an unsolicited manner defies traditional norms, often resulting in social repercussions and a loss of propriety. The narrative focuses on Mihiri to illustrate how women endeavour to reclaim their status by striving to fulfil the expectations of being good daughters-in-law. The chapter intricately examines how social hierarchies are renegotiated, positioning women within the same hierarchy but in a different role post-marriage. In their pursuit of attaining the envisioned ‘good life’ through marriage to a beloved partner, women navigate the intricate terrain of familial expectations and societal conventions. This exploration reveals the complexities, challenges, and inherent resilience embedded in their journeys towards love and marital fulfilment.