Væringjar

The term Væringjar, or Varangians in English, refers to Norsemen who traveled east from Scandinavia, primarily during the Viking Age. These explorers and traders ventured into Eastern Europe, establishing a significant presence and influencing the region's history. Their journeys took them along the river systems of modern-day Russia, Ukraine, and Belarus, reaching as far as the Byzantine Empire and the Caspian Sea.

The primary motivations for the Varangians were trade, seeking valuable goods like furs, slaves, and honey, and also military service. They were renowned for their martial prowess and were often employed as mercenaries. The Byzantine Empire, in particular, heavily relied on Varangian warriors, famously forming the Varangian Guard, an elite unit composed of Norsemen and later Anglo-Saxons.

The Varangians played a crucial role in the formation of early Eastern European states. According to some historical accounts, notably the Primary Chronicle, Rurik, a Varangian chieftain, was invited to rule in Novgorod around 862 AD, marking the traditional beginning of Kievan Rus'. This interaction led to a significant Norse influence on the Slavic populations they encountered. Their legacy is intertwined with the development of trade routes, state formation, and cultural exchange between Scandinavia and Eastern Europe.