[Info] The Vikings

Vikings were a group of Norse people from Scandinavia, who from the late 8th century to the early 11th century, raided, pillaged and traded with their neighboring countries during the Early and High Middle Ages. This period of time (793–1066), eventually became known as the Viking Age.

Decreasing temperatures on top years of endless war and bloodshed lead to a lack of resources, making survival increasingly difficult. This lead many Danes and Norsemen to seek expansion westward, bringing many to the fertile lands of the British Isles. Here they setup various settlements, either choosing to mix with the locals or keep to themselves and rely upon raiding to bring them wealth. 

The local Saxons referred to all Viking invaders as "Danes," regardless of where in Scandanavia they were from. Those who practiced pagan religions were notably more welcoming than those of the Christian faith, who held these "Danes" in contempt for stealing their resources as well as their supposed inferiority. 

The difference in culture between Vikings and Saxons was vast, the former being more free-spirited and open while the latter was more reserved and closed. The status of women was seemingly greater amongst the Scandinavians, granting them the rights to hold property, become warriors (shieldmaidens), and demand/initiate divorce. In the case of divorce, custody of children was mostly awarded to the mothers. Of course, this was the case for Scandanavian women who were native to the culture, not necessarily captured brides who married in. A woman's place was still viewed as in the household, but second only to her husband her word was law within, and they typically handled the management of internal affairs. 

Sex and sexuality were also viewed with far less restraint, the coupling of same-sex partners did not warrant a second glance. However, one partner was almost always viewed as more dominant than the other and was expected to be head of the household while the other would settle into a more domestic role. Of course, this was not always the case. 

Furthermore, they were practitioners of slavery, keeping those they captured on raids as "thralls" (slaves). The owners of thralls were able to do as they pleased with them, treating them well of harshly, it made no difference. Many were expected to perform household tasks, work the fields, and/or provide a sexual outlet for their masters. A thrall, did however, possess the ability to be freed from servitude. This was entirely at the mercy of their master or a higher-ranking individual that claimed sovereignty over their master and therefore possessed the right and ability to deprive them of property.