What was the original nature of the 'hird' in Scandinavian history?

In Scandinavian history, the hird was originally an informal retinue composed of personal armed companions, also referred to as hirdmen or housecarls.

How did the concept of the 'hird' evolve over time in Scandinavian history?

Over time, the hird evolved from being just a personal retinue to encompassing the core of the royal army, and eventually, it came to signify a more formal royal court household.

What is the etymological origin of the term 'hird'?

The term 'hird' originates from Old Norse hirð, which meant 'Herd.' This word is believed to stem from either Old English hir(e)d, meaning 'household, family, retinue, court,' or possibly from the old German cognate heirat, meaning 'marriage.'

What meanings are associated with the etymological roots of 'hird'?

The etymological roots of 'hird' suggest meanings such as 'body of men' or, more directly, 'hearthguard,' referring to men of one's own home and hearth.

In what historical contexts is the term 'hird' primarily found?

The term 'hird' is frequently encountered in Norse sagas and law codices, which were predominantly written down in the 12th century.

Is there any uncertainty regarding the term that 'hird' might have replaced?

Yes, there is some uncertainty about the term that 'hird' replaced. However, Danish sources use the term hlid or lið to refer to the warrior following of Canute the Great.

How did the Norwegian hird change by the reign of Håkon IV?

By the reign of Håkon IV (1204–1263), the Norwegian hird had transitioned from being solely military in function. It had developed several subdivisions, structured along continental patterns.

What were the subdivisions of the Norwegian hird during Håkon IV's reign?

During Håkon IV's reign, the Norwegian hird included subdivisions such as squires, known as kertilsveinr (literally 'candle-men'), men-at-arms, referred to as hirdmenn, and knights, called skutilsveinr (literally 'table-men').

What was the role of 'gestir' within the Norwegian hird?

Gestir were part of the Norwegian hird, receiving only half pay and serving as a type of intelligence service. They were generally not permitted to sit at the king's table for supper, except on Christmas Day and Easter Day when the entire hird assembled.

What legal code governed the hird, and when were its older laws incorporated?

The law code governing the hird was known as the Hirdskraa. During the reign of Magnus VI, the older laws of the Hird were incorporated into this specific law code.

How did the hird's structure and titles change during the reign of Håkon V?

During the reign of Håkon V (1299–1319), the traditional Norse titles within the hird were dropped entirely in favor of continental titles. The emphasis shifted to viewing the king's hird as a community of equals and a chivalresque corporation of warriors.

What was the conceptualization of the king's hird during Håkon V's reign?

During Håkon V's reign, the king's hird was emphasized as a community of equals and a chivalresque corporation of warriors, where the king was technically considered the first among equals.

What does the term 'Hirdman' literally mean?

The term 'Hirdman' (plural: Hirdmen) is derived from Scandinavian languages, notably Norwegian and Swedish, and literally means a member of a Hird, signifying a member of a 'household' or 'family.'

What was the original use of the title 'Hirdman'?

Originally, 'Hirdman' was used as a title for informal companions or retainers of powerful individuals, especially as companions in arms during the often unruly and pagan old times.

How did the role of a 'Hirdman' evolve over time?

Over time, the role of a 'Hirdman' became more refined, akin to courtiers. This development is comparable to the evolution of the English 'thegn' or the Roman 'comes.'

What other terms are mentioned in relation to the hird or its members in the source?

The source mentions other related terms such as hlid or lið, Gefolgschaft, bucellarii, comitatus, thegn, and comes.

What is the significance of the term 'Gefolgschaft' in relation to the hird?

Gefolgschaft is a German generic term used in modern literature for a 'body of followers,' which is also applied to the Germanic tradition that the hird represents. This concept was even adopted by powerful Romans in the late empire under Latin names like bucellarii or the more common comitatus.

What does the note about 'lið' or 'lithsmen' suggest about their role?

The note suggests that lið or lithsmen is an ambiguous term, possibly meaning 'sailor' in Anglo-Saxon but 'warrior' in Danish literature. They are thought to have been some form of standing mercenary force.

What is the Hirdskraa?

The Hirdskraa is a law code that incorporated the older laws of the Hird. It was a significant legal document related to the organization and regulations of the hird.

What were the literal meanings of the Norse titles 'kertilsveinr' and 'skutilsveinr'?

The Norse title kertilsveinr literally meant 'candle-men,' referring to squires who were ceremonially required to hold candles at hird ceremonies. The title skutilsveinr literally meant 'table-men,' referring to knights.

What was the primary function of 'gestir' within the hird?

The primary function of gestir within the hird was to serve as a sort of intelligence service. They received half pay and had restricted access to the king's table.

What was the relationship between the hird and royal officials?

The upper levels of the hird served as a recruitment ground for numerous royal officials. Furthermore, most external officials were also incorporated into the hird structure.

What does the 'See also' section suggest are related concepts or groups to the hird?

The 'See also' section suggests that 'Thingmen' and 'Druzhina' are related concepts or groups to the hird, indicating similar organizational structures or roles in different historical contexts.

What is the significance of the Hirdskraa in relation to the hird's legal framework?

The Hirdskraa served as the law code for the hird, and during the reign of Magnus VI, the older laws pertaining to the hird were formally incorporated into this code.

How did the shift to continental titles during Håkon V's reign impact the hird's identity?

The shift to continental titles during Håkon V's reign likely aimed to align the Norwegian court and military structure with broader European practices, potentially enhancing its prestige and integration into the wider feudal system, while also changing the specific nomenclature of its ranks.

What does the phrase 'king was the first among equals' suggest about the hird's internal hierarchy?

The phrase 'king was the first among equals' suggests a hierarchical structure within the hird where the king held ultimate authority but was also conceptually part of a brotherhood or corporation of warriors, fostering a sense of shared purpose and mutual respect among its members.

What is the significance of the hird being described as a 'chivalresque corporation of warriors'?

Describing the hird as a 'chivalresque corporation of warriors' highlights its dual nature: it was a military unit bound by codes of honor and loyalty (chivalresque) and also a structured organization with defined roles and membership (corporation).

What does the term 'hirdmen' signify in the context of the hird's subdivisions?

In the context of the hird's subdivisions, 'hirdmen' specifically referred to the men-at-arms, distinguishing them from squires (kertilsveinr) and knights (skutilsveinr).

What was the primary characteristic of the hird's evolution from an informal retinue to a formal court?

The primary characteristic of the hird's evolution was its transition from an informal group of personal armed companions to a more structured and formalized royal court household, incorporating military, administrative, and ceremonial functions.

What does the term 'housecarls' imply in relation to the hird?

The term 'housecarls' is used synonymously with 'hirdmen' in the initial description of the hird, suggesting a shared concept of a lord's personal, armed retainers or household guards.

What does the etymology from Old German 'heirat' suggest about the hird's origins?

The etymology from Old German heirat, meaning 'marriage,' suggests a potential origin for the term 'hird' related to the concept of a bonded group or a union of men, possibly emphasizing loyalty and shared commitment.

What was the role of the Hirdskraa in relation to the assembly of the hird?

The Hirdskraa was read or recited when the entire hird assembled, indicating its importance as a document that defined the group's laws, customs, and responsibilities, likely reinforcing unity and order.

What does the inclusion of 'gestir' as a distinct group within the hird suggest about its organization?

The inclusion of gestir as a distinct group, characterized by half pay and intelligence duties, suggests that the hird was not a monolithic entity but a complex organization with specialized roles and varying levels of compensation and privilege.

What is the significance of the hird being described as the 'nucleus' of the royal army?

Describing the hird as the 'nucleus' of the royal army signifies that it formed the core or central fighting force of the king's military establishment, from which other military elements might have been drawn or organized.

What does the term 'hird' mean in the context of Scandinavian history?

In the context of Scandinavian history, the 'hird' referred to an informal retinue of personal armed companions, which later evolved to become the nucleus of the royal army and a formal royal court household.

What is the Norwegian name associated with the hird mentioned in the text?

The Norwegian name associated with the hird mentioned in the text is 'De Håndgangne Menn'.

What does the term 'housecarl' signify in relation to the hird?

The term 'housecarl' is presented as an alternative or related term for the personal armed companions within the hird, often translated as a loyal retainer or guard.

What is the primary meaning of the Old Norse word 'hirð'?

The primary meaning of the Old Norse word 'hirð' is 'Herd,' and it is the root from which the term 'hird' is derived.

What was the role of the sagas and law codices in documenting the hird?

Sagas and law codices are historical sources where the term 'hird' is frequently found, providing insights into its usage and context, with the sagas primarily written down in the 12th century.

What does the term 'lið' or 'hlid' signify in Danish sources regarding warrior followings?

In Danish sources, the term 'lið' or 'hlid' is used to denote the warrior following of figures like Canute the Great, suggesting a similar concept to the hird in other Scandinavian contexts.

How did the hird's organization change under continental influence by the reign of Håkon IV?

By the reign of Håkon IV, the Norwegian hird had acquired several subdivisions structured along continental patterns, indicating an adoption of external organizational models.

What was the ceremonial duty of 'kertilsveinr'?

The ceremonial duty of 'kertilsveinr,' or 'candle-men,' was to hold candles at hird ceremonies, highlighting their specific ritualistic role within the hird.

What does the term 'skutilsveinr' imply about the status of knights in the hird?

The term 'skutilsveinr,' meaning 'table-men,' implies that knights within the hird held a privileged position, likely associated with dining at the king's table and participating in courtly life.

What was the function of the 'gestir' as an intelligence service?

The 'gestir' served as a type of intelligence service within the hird, suggesting roles such as gathering information or acting as scouts, distinct from direct combat or courtly duties.

What was the significance of the Hirdskraa being recited on specific holidays?

The recitation of sections of the Hirdskraa on days like Christmas and Easter, when the entire hird assembled, underscored the importance of the law code in reinforcing the hird's identity, structure, and shared principles.

How did the emphasis on the hird as a 'community of equals' manifest under Håkon V?

Under Håkon V, the emphasis on the hird as a 'community of equals' and a 'chivalresque corporation of warriors' reflected an ideal of shared purpose and loyalty, with the king positioned as the foremost member.

What does the evolution of 'hirdman' from retainer to courtier signify?

The evolution of 'hirdman' from an informal retainer or companion in arms to a more refined courtier signifies a progression in status and function, mirroring similar developments in other historical military and courtly structures.

What was the role of the royal council in relation to the highest-ranking hirdmen?

The highest-ranking hirdmen, holding the title of 'hirdman' in a formal court, were permitted to sit in the royal council, thereby influencing governmental and other important matters.

What does the term 'comitatus' represent in the context of Germanic military traditions?

The term 'comitatus' is a Latin designation, similar to 'bucellarii,' used by Romans to describe the Germanic tradition of a 'body of followers,' which is conceptually akin to the hird.

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What is the Hird?

Personal Armed Companions

In the context of Scandinavian history, the hird (also known as "De Håndgangne Menn" in Norwegian) was initially an informal retinue of personal armed companions, often referred to as hirdmen or housecarls.^[1] These were the loyal, armed followers who provided security and military support to chieftains and kings.

Royal Nucleus and Court

Over time, the hird evolved beyond a mere personal guard. It came to signify not only the core ('Guards') of the royal army but also developed into a more formal royal court household.^[2] This transformation reflects the increasing centralization of power and the development of more structured monarchies in Scandinavia.

Etymology

Roots of the Term

The term "hird" originates from Old Norse, specifically the word hirð. This term is believed to derive from either Old English hir(e)d, meaning 'household, family, retinue, court', or potentially from a Germanic cognate like heirat, which can signify 'marriage' but also broadly means a 'body of men'.^[3] Both etymological paths suggest a core meaning related to a close-knit group or household, directly linking to the concept of loyal retainers.

Historical Evolution

Medieval Context

While the term "hird" appears frequently in Norse sagas and law codices, it is primarily a medieval term, with sagas often written down in the 12th century using the language of that era. There is some scholarly debate regarding what terms the "hird" might have replaced, though related terms like hlid or lið are noted in Danish sources for warrior retinues.^[a]^[5]

Håkon IV's Reforms

During the reign of King Håkon IV (1204–1263), the Norwegian hird underwent significant formalization and restructuring, adopting continental European patterns. It acquired several subdivisions:

Squires (kertilsveinr): Literally "candle-men," ceremonially required to hold candles during hird ceremonies.
Men-at-arms (hirdmenn): The core military retainers.
Knights (skutilsveinr): Literally "table-men," indicating a higher status, possibly associated with the king's table.

Additionally, there were the gestir, who received reduced pay and served as an intelligence service. These groups were assembled periodically, with sections of their law code, the Hirdskraa, being read aloud.^[2]

The upper echelons of the hird served as a recruitment pool for royal officials. Many external officials were also integrated into the hird structure. By the reign of Magnus VI, the older hird laws were formally incorporated into the comprehensive Hirdskraa law code.^[2]

Shift to Continental Titles

Under King Håkon V (1299–1319), the distinct Norse titles within the hird were gradually phased out in favor of continental European titles. The emphasis shifted towards portraying the Norwegian king's hird as a community of equals, a chivalresque corporation where the king was technically considered the "first among equals." This reflected broader European trends in courtly and military organization.^[2]

The Hirdman

Member of the Hird

A Hirdman (plural: Hirdmen) was a member of a Hird. Originally, this term denoted informal companions or retainers of powerful figures, particularly in the context of armed followers during the often turbulent and pagan eras. As societal structures evolved, the term became more refined, akin to courtiers, paralleling developments like the Anglo-Saxon thegn or the Roman comes.^[3]

Highest Rank and Council

Within the formalised Norwegian royal hird, "hirdman" eventually became the title for the highest of its four ranks. These individuals were magnates who held the privilege of sitting in the royal council. This council was the closest feudal equivalent to a modern cabinet, granting these hirdmen significant influence over governmental and other critical matters.^[3]

Related Terms

Companions in Arms

The concept of a royal or noble retinue was not unique to Scandinavia. Similar institutions existed across various cultures:

Thingmen: A term often associated with the military retinue of Scandinavian rulers, particularly in the context of assemblies (Things).
Druzhina: A term from East Slavic history, referring to the retinue of a prince or ruler, serving as warriors and advisors.

These groups shared the common function of providing military, political, and personal support to their leaders.

References

Scholarly Sources

The information presented here is derived from historical and academic sources, providing a foundation for understanding the hird and its significance.

For this Germanic tradition the German generic term Gefolgschaft 'body of followers' is also used in modern literature; it was even adopted by powerful Romans in the late empire, by such Latin names as bucellarii or the more common comitatus.
Gjerset, Knut (1915). History of the Norwegian People. Vol. 1. The MacMillan Company.
See for instance, 'hirð' in Cleasby-Vigfusson, Icelandic-English Dictionary, online copy
Hollister, C. Warren (1962). Anglo-Saxon Military Institutions on the Eve of the Norman Conquest. Oxford: Clarendon Press. pp. 16–17.
The name lið or lithsmen is an ambiguous term which is thought to mean 'sailor' in Anglo-Saxon, but seems to mean 'warrior' in the Danish literature. However they were undoubtedly some form of standing mercenary force.

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References

See for instance, 'hirÃ°' in Cleasby-Vigfusson, Icelandic-English Dictionary, online copy

A full list of references for this article are available at the Hird Wikipedia page

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The King's Guard: Unveiling the Hird of Scandinavia

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

What is the Hird? ℹ️

🛡️ Personal Armed Companions

👑 Royal Nucleus and Court

Etymology 🔠

🗣️ Roots of the Term

Historical Evolution ⏳

📜 Medieval Context

⚔️ Håkon IV's Reforms

🏛️ Shift to Continental Titles

The Hirdman 👤

🎖️ Member of the Hird

⚖️ Highest Rank and Council

Related Terms 🔗

🤝 Companions in Arms

References 📚

📖 Scholarly Sources

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📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

What is the Hird?

Personal Armed Companions

Royal Nucleus and Court

Etymology

Roots of the Term

Historical Evolution

Medieval Context

Håkon IV's Reforms

Shift to Continental Titles

The Hirdman

Member of the Hird

Highest Rank and Council

Related Terms

Companions in Arms

References

Scholarly Sources

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice