The position originated in Norway in the Middle Ages, where it was used as a noble title, and the  was granted a fief called a sýsla (plural: ) in which he was responsible for collecting tolls, taxes and fines, upholding the law and military defences. He was also to hold courts of justice and name men to sit on juries.
This office originated in medieval Norway, where it served as a noble title, and the  received a fief called a sýsla (plural: ) in which he was accountable for collecting tolls, taxes, and fines, maintaining law and order, and defending military forces. He also presided over courts of justice and selected individuals to serve on juries.