There has been a sort of romanticized myth that the Viking society was an egalitarian one, where free farmers decided things together on the local Ting. Written records, rune stones and archaeological evidence point to the contrary however – the Viking Age society was a very hierarchical one, and deeply unequal.
Even if Tings were held where free men had some influence, it was still controlled by those with power.
The Viking culture was built around their religion, and that too followed strictly hierarchical rules, which was mirrored in society.
At the societal top was the kings, earls and chiefs. However, their position was not as strong during the Viking Age as it would become in Medieval times. The “top job” was not hereditary, and was built on alliances and friendships rather than right of birth. A leader could also be disposed if he neglected his duties, which included protection of his subordinates, lavish gifts to his allies and having grand feasts in his great hall.
The power was built on relationships and family ties, and these were dissolved when a leader died and left a power vacuum, which often led to conflicts before a new leader emerged.
Below the kings and chiefs were free farmers. To count amongst them, you had to be able to prove that the farm had been in your family’s possession for at least 4 generations. The Odal farmer had the highest status, their farm had been in the family for 6 generations or more. They could have enormous farms, and also lease land to landless farmers, which were below them on the societal ladder. It was among the farmers that warriors were recruited for the king’s retinue.
At the very bottom of society were the thralls, or slaves. Therefore the slave trade was extensive and very important to the Viking Age society. The thralls worked on the farms, which let the free men do other things, such as engage in trade or raids. It is estimated that between 20-30 percent of the population in the Nordic countries were thralls.
A thrall could be freed however, through loyalty or defence of his masters. They were called “löysingar” in Swedish. Their status was somewhere between a free person and a thrall. It could take up to 4 generations before they were seen as completely free and regained same status and rights as farmers.
In the next post we’ll explore the role and status of Viking Age women.
Sources:
Hjardar, Kim. Vikingarnas Värld. (2016)
Lihammer, Anna. Vikingatidens Härskare. (2021)