troths

Troths are a form of ancient Germanic marriage vows, originating from the Germanic tribes of Northern Europe. The term "troth" comes from Old English and Old Norse, meaning "pledge" or "promise." Troths were a solemn agreement between two individuals, typically a man and a woman, to enter into a lifelong partnership. This agreement was often accompanied by a troth-plight, a ritual or ceremony that symbolized the commitment and was sometimes accompanied by a gift or exchange of items.

The troth-plight could vary widely depending on the region and the customs of the tribes. In some cases, it might involve a simple exchange of gifts, such as a piece of jewelry or a piece of clothing. In other instances, it could be a more elaborate ritual, such as a feast or a ritual battle. The purpose of the troth-plight was to publicly declare the couple's commitment to each other and to the community.

Troths were not legally binding in the same way that modern marriages are, but they held significant social and cultural importance. They were often seen as a way to strengthen social bonds and to ensure the stability of the community. Troths could be broken, but doing so was considered dishonorable and could have serious consequences for the individual involved.

The practice of troths declined with the rise of Christianity in Northern Europe, as the church began to promote the idea of marriage as a sacred union between a man and a woman. However, the legacy of troths can still be seen in modern Germanic cultures, where the concept of a lifelong commitment and the importance of social bonds are still valued.