þeors

Þeors, also spelled Theors, are a group of ancient Germanic tribes who inhabited the region of modern-day Denmark and parts of southern Sweden during the Early Iron Age. The term "Þeors" is derived from the Old Norse word "Þjóðr," meaning "people" or "tribe." They are first mentioned in historical sources from the 6th century AD, particularly in the works of the Byzantine historian Procopius and the Frankish historian Gregory of Tours.

The Þeors are known for their participation in the Viking Age, a period of significant cultural and political change in Northern Europe. They are often associated with the establishment of the kingdom of Denmark, which emerged in the 9th century. The Þeors are also mentioned in the Poetic Edda, an important collection of Old Norse poems, where they are described as one of the four main groups of the ancient Norse people, along with the Norsemen, the Swedes, and the Geats.

The Þeors are believed to have spoken an East Germanic language, which is now extinct. Their culture and society are not well-documented, but they are known to have had a strong oral tradition, as evidenced by the surviving poems and sagas. They are also known to have been skilled seafarers and traders, contributing to the growth of the Viking Age.

The Þeors' history is marked by their interactions with other Germanic tribes and the establishment of political alliances and conflicts. Their legacy continues to be studied by historians and linguists, providing valuable insights into the early history of Northern Europe.