þrælkun

Þrælkun is the Old Norse word for slavery. In the Viking Age and subsequent Norse societies, slavery was an integral part of the social and economic structure. Slaves, known as thralls (þrælar), occupied the lowest rung of the social ladder. They were typically acquired through warfare, raiding, or as a consequence of debt or punishment for crimes.

Thralls performed a wide range of tasks, from domestic chores and agricultural labor to skilled crafts and even acting as bodyguards. Their lives were entirely at the mercy of their owners, who had the power of life and death over them. While conditions varied, many thralls lived harsh lives with little to no personal freedom.

Despite their status, thralls were considered property and could be bought, sold, or inherited. Owners were responsible for feeding and housing their thralls, and in some instances, could grant them manumission, allowing them to become free individuals. However, complete emancipation was not always guaranteed, and former thralls might still face social stigma.

The presence of thralls was fundamental to the economic prosperity of Norse societies, providing a cheap and readily available labor force. While the practice gradually declined with the Christianization of Scandinavia and evolving social norms, it remained a significant aspect of life for centuries. The concept of þrælkun reflects the hierarchical and often brutal nature of early medieval Scandinavian societies.