kjölfylkingu

Kjölfylkingu is a term derived from Old Norse and is sometimes translated as "keel-following" or "wake-following". Historically, it refers to a practice or tradition associated with seafaring communities, particularly in Viking Age Scandinavia. The concept relates to the idea of ships or individuals following in the wake of a prominent or leading vessel, implying a sense of allegiance, protection, or shared journey.

This practice could manifest in various ways. In a military context, smaller or less powerful ships might follow a larger, more commanding warship for protection and to be part of a larger fleet. It could also signify a symbolic loyalty to a leader or chieftain whose ship was the exemplar. The act of following the "kjöl" (keel) of another ship implied a degree of submission or recognition of authority.

Beyond military or political implications, kjölfylkingu might also describe a more general sense of communal travel, where ships from a settlement or region would sail together, following a designated lead ship. This offered mutual support and safety in numbers. The concept emphasizes the importance of collective action and the social structures that governed maritime activities in early Norse society. While not a formal legal term, it offers insight into the practical and symbolic aspects of ancient seafaring life.