They were based in Oddi at Rangárvellir [is] in South Iceland.
[1][2] Their ascendancy was during the second half of the 12th century, but their power subsequently waned.
They play only a minor role in the Icelandic civil war during the Age of the Sturlungs.
Only after the signing of the Gamli sáttmáli ("Old Covenant") did they oppose the influence of Gissur Þorvaldsson, Earl of Iceland.
The Oddverjar traced their roots to the first Icelandic settlers.