Thraldom: A History of Slavery in the Viking Age

Scandinavians in the early Middle Ages engaged in a peculiar form of slavery known as Nordic slavery, which was characterized by social respect and unfree status. They could hand themselves over as slaves for protection and food, be sentenced temporarily to enslavement, or enter into contracts with kings or chieftains to join their retinues. Slavery was widespread all over Europe during this time, but the Vikings were primarily interested in raiding, abducting, and selling captured people for silver rather than taking them to Scandinavia. Stefan Brink's book "Thraldom" provides the most thorough survey of slavery in the Viking Age using a wide variety of source materials.

Format: Hardback
Length: 384 pages
Publication date: 22 November 2021
Publisher: Oxford University Press Inc

Scandinavian slavery is a complex and enigmatic phenomenon that bears little resemblance to the systematic exploitation of slaves in ancient Mediterranean households, mines, and amphitheaters or the widespread enslavement that occurred at American plantations during the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. During the early Middle Ages, the Scandinavian society was markedly different from our own, characterized by a fluid and ever-changing social hierarchy. It was possible for individuals to simultaneously hold social respect and be considered unfree. Individuals could willingly submit themselves to slavery in exchange for protection and sustenance, or they could be sentenced to temporary enslavement for a specific offense and later purchase their manumission. Young men could also enter into agreements with kings or chieftains, willingly accepting their authority, patronage, and jurisdiction while simultaneously experiencing a rapid social ascent. Slavery was a pervasive phenomenon throughout Europe during this period, and Scandinavians played a significant role in the northern slave trade. However, it is important to note that the Vikings were primarily interested in acquiring slaves for the purpose of raiding, abducting, and selling them at major slave markets. Their primary objective was not the capture of people but rather the acquisition of silver.

To provide a comprehensive examination of slavery in the Viking Age, Thraldom employs a diverse range of source materials, including archaeological evidence, runic inscriptions, Icelandic sagas, early legal texts, place names, personal names, and etymological and semantic analyses of slave terminology. This extensive research effort allows for a thorough exploration of the various aspects of slavery during this period, shedding light on the practices, motivations, and experiences of slaves in Scandinavia.

One of the key findings of Thraldom is that slavery was not limited to a specific social or economic class in Scandinavia. Rather, it was a widespread practice that affected individuals from all walks of life. Regardless of their background or status, people could be subjected to slavery as a form of punishment, debt repayment, or as a means of gaining access to valuable resources. The book also highlights the diverse range of roles that slaves played in Viking society. While some slaves were forced to perform manual labor in fields, mines, or households, others were employed as skilled artisans, traders, or even as members of the ruling elite.

Another important aspect of Thraldom is its examination of the legal and social frameworks that governed slavery in Scandinavia. The book explores the various laws and customs that governed the treatment of slaves, including the concept of manumission, which allowed slaves to purchase their freedom. It also examines the role of slave owners and masters in the social hierarchy, as well as the experiences of slaves themselves, including their daily lives, struggles, and resistance.

Thraldom is a valuable contribution to the study of Viking history and society, providing a comprehensive and nuanced understanding of slavery in this period. By employing a wide range of source materials and analytical approaches, the book offers a rich and detailed account of the practices, motivations, and experiences of slaves in Scandinavia. It is a must-read for anyone interested in the history of slavery, the Vikings, or medieval Europe more broadly.

Weight: 692g
Dimension: 168 x 244 x 37 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780197532355