This is the 927th most frequent Icelandic word.
ríkir
"Ríkir" means "reigns" or "prevails" in English.
Here, 'ríkir' implies the presence or prevailing of something, in this case, silence.
Það ríkir þögn í herberginu.
There is silence in the room.
In this sentence, 'ríkir' is used to describe someone who governs or rules, like a monarch.
Hann ríkir í landinu eins og konungur.
He reigns in the country like a king.
Here, 'ríkir' describes the state or predominance of a trait, specifically courage.