The working class, who had full freedom and protection under Norse law, known as the Karls.The aristocracy, or upper class, which were known as the Jarls.Other than Viking royalty, there were three classes of people that comprised Norse society: In Sweden, a royal class rose in the 12 th century.ĭid the Vikings just vanish from history? See What Happened to the Vikings? to learn more.In Denmark, it happened during the 10 th century.In Norway, kings rose to power in the 9 th century.This occurred at different points during the Viking Age: Throughout Scandinavia, chieftains not only had to maintain their position within their clan, but they also had to be vigilant against neighboring or rival magnates seeking to expand theirs.Įventually, Norway, Denmark, and Sweden transitioned from unorganized clan-based societies to kingdoms unified under all-powerful rulers who were essentially the royal class. They were only as strong and powerful as their base of support, which was usually comprised of free men not quite as prominent as the chieftain but still influential in their own right, as well as ordinary, working-class citizens.
Vikings never lived far from waterways in ancient Scandinavia Viking chieftains rose to power by their military accomplishments, their wealth (as measured primarily by land, property, or treasure, as the Vikings at that time did not have a monetary currency), their ancestry, or a combination of these factors. (Also see 10 Famous Vikings from History) In other words, a chieftain was a big fish in a small pond. The Transition from Clans to Kingdomsĭuring the early stages of the Viking Age, much of Scandinavia (Norway, Sweden, and Denmark) was a loose and sometimes unstable patchwork of local clans overseen by magnates, or as they were more commonly referred to, chieftains.Ī Viking chieftain was an influential leader on a sometimes regional, but most typically small, local level. The Vikings dominated Scandinavia for a time, but what was it like before that? See Scandinavia Before the Vikings to learn more. Ironically, the lawlessness and chaos that characterized their ruthless plundering and pillaging of towns and villages throughout Northern Europe were not tolerated on their native soil.
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