Viking Society

Viking Society

• Viking society was made up of several classes of people.

• Slaves (Thralls) and bondsmen. (If a Viking of any class could not pay debts – he became a bondsman.

• Karls (freemen) were farmers, smiths, etc.• Jarls (nobles) had more money, depended on

loyalty of their men.• Kings – were the richest and most powerful.

Viking Society cont’d

• Thralls – still had some rights. • Could accumulate wealth (and possibly buy

their freedom)• Could marry.• Could take vengeance for interference with

their wives.

Laws

• Democratic governing assembly known as the “Thing” was made up of freemen who voted on whether someone was guilty or not.

• Most offences were punishable by fines.• More serious offences were punishable by

death or being declared an outlaw.

Women

• Women of all classes were in charge of duties inside the household.

• This included spinning textiles, cooking, looking after children or the elderly, as well as some farming duties.

• While there is little historical evidence to show them as warriors, women are depicted as shieldmaidens in sagas and mythology.

Trade• Vikings were Raiders and Invaders… but they

were also Traders.

Viking Trade Website

• http://www.anmm.gov.au/webdata/resources/swfs/kiosks/www_vikings/