viðhafðar

Viðháfðar is an Old Norse word that translates to "coat-hangers" but it is more closely related to the concept of enslaved swordsmen. These swordsmen were tied to the coat or belt of a Viking chieftain or warrior with a rope, which was usually attached to the warrior's girdle or belt. This action symbolized the ownership and authority of the chieftain over the swordsman. The viðháfðar were not truly slaves, but rather unpaid bodyguards or followers who were willing to provide their services to the chieftain in exchange for protection and other benefits.

The term "viðháfðar" appears in several Old Norse sources, including the Poetic Edda and Snorri Sturluson's Heimskringla. These sources suggest that the practice of tying swordsman to the coat of a chieftain was a common one in Viking society, particularly among the nobility. The viðháfðar were likely highly skilled warriors who were valued for their martial prowess and loyalty. In return for their services, they would receive food, shelter, and other benefits, which helped to strengthen their bond with their chieftain or lord.

The practice of viðháfðar adds depth to our understanding of Viking social hierarchy and the relationships between warriors and their leaders. It highlights the importance of loyalty and service in Medieval Scandinavian society and the role that warriors played in the lives of the nobility. The concept of viðháfðar remains an important aspect of Viking Age history and continues to be studied by historians and scholars today.