Archaeological news about the Archaeology of Early Medieval Europe from the Archaeology in Europe web site

Thursday, 13 April 2023

Viking King – How Was He Elected And What Was Expected From Him?

 


Travis Fimmel as Ragnar Lothbrok in the TV series Vikings. Credit: History Channel 
Copyright, fair use.

Ragnar Lodbrok claimed to be a direct descendant of the god Odin, but most Viking leaders were "ordinary" people, and they were viewed as exceptionally commanding men.

A man must have certain qualities and attitudes to become a great Viking leader.

It brings us to questions such as – Who could become a Viking king? Who was considered a worthy leader in the Viking society?

Kings Appeared At The End Of The Viking Age

It's important to remember that there were no Viking kings during the early Viking Age. The Viking society was divided into three social classes -  the nobles or jarls, the middle class or karls, and the slaves or thralls.

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