Thrapa

Thrapa, also spelled thrapp, is a term used in the context of the Icelandic sagas and Norse mythology to refer to a type of slave or servant. The word is derived from the Old Norse "þræppa," which means "to serve" or "to enslave." Thrapa were typically captured in wars or purchased from other tribes and were used for various purposes, including labor, military service, and domestic work. They were often treated as property and could be bought, sold, or inherited like other goods. Thrapa were not considered full members of society and had limited rights and freedoms. Their status was often precarious, and they could be subjected to harsh treatment or even violence. Despite their subservient role, thrapa could sometimes gain freedom or improve their status through exceptional service or favorable circumstances. The concept of thrapa reflects the social hierarchy and economic structures of the Viking Age, where slavery and servitude were integral parts of daily life.