It is said that the difference between viking males and females was very distinct. Vikings lived in very large family groups as everyone lived together. The eldest son would take over the farm and he would become the head of the family. His wife had to see that the food her husband brought home lasted through the long winters. Women were expected to know about the herbs for making medicine. The farm animals were also her responsibility and when her husband went trading she was in charge of hunting and running the farm. Some rich families would hire slaves and servants to help her. Women wore the keys to the food chest as a visible sign of her authority and power.
When wed a bride would buy the cloth of linen and the wool, a spinning …show more content…
She continued to be a part of her own family. If her husband was too lazy to provide for their large families or abused her or their family she could divorce him. To divorce her husband she has to call upon witnesses. In front of the witnesses she first divorces the husband at the front door and again at the couple’s bed.
Babies and Toddlers in divorced families immediately stayed with their mother. Older children were divided between families according to the wealth and status of the two families. Divorced women had right to property, inheritance and divorce while children were also protected by the law as members of the family and had a right to …show more content…
They had little to no9 rights and were not able to own land. They were bought and sold at different trading places. It was not mandatory for owners to be kind to their slaves but many treated them well. Thralls were acquired in a number of ways: On raids, through trade, through crime and punishment or someone can be born a slave should thrall women give birth. Freedom was possible for a Thrall. Some believed it was their shining light and hope! To be poor or homeless was not appealing in Viking time. The rest of the vile usually looked down upon anyone who didn't have residence and begging was not favoured.
The Jarls were the upper class of the freemen in Viking Society. They were noblemen or wealthy landowners, merchants or traders. They were likely to have men under their employ, whether they were farm hands, craftsmen or sailors. They would reward their men with food and drink. When a Jarl was extremely noble or prestigious they would often form alliances with the king, keeping him up with the news and knowledge. They, of course, contributed some of their earnings to the