ABSTRACT
For almost all her life, Guðrún was employed as a work maid in other people's homes, and she had no long-term fixed abode, with the exception of the few years of her marriage. As farm workers were employed, as a rule, on one-year contracts, many of them had to move every year to the home of a new master. Others remained in the same household for years – especially if they received good treatment and felt that they were valued. Frequent moves were often a difficult experience, as the workers had to accustom themselves to the ways of a new master and mistress – who must be obeyed without question. No doubt it was hard for Guðrún to bond with other people and to trust her employers. The constant uncertainty of moving from one place to another, and the disruption of her surroundings – even such matters as with whom she shared a bed – must have prevented her forming close and lasting relationships. Guðrún has, admittedly, a lot to say about the people with whom she shared homes over the years – and she speaks with affection of the district council leader and clergyman who were probably the most decisive influences in her life. A district council leader (hreppstjóri) was responsible for placing paupers in a household, while the clergy provided pastoral care at difficult times in a person's life. When Guðrún was discontented with her master and mistress, she would report them to the district council leader or go to the parish pastor with her problems. She appears to have taken such action without hesitation.
