Which peoples were part of Viking society?

Viking society, which developed by the 9th century, comprised the peoples living in what are now Denmark, Norway, Sweden, and, from the 10th century, Iceland. It is important to note that "Viking" was not a specific ethnic descriptor or tribe, but rather a term referring to the act of piracy or voyaging.312

Within this society, the population was stratified into three primary social classes:324

• Jarls: The elite or aristocratic class, responsible for the well-being of their subjects.24
• Karls: The free men and women, who were typically landowners and farmers.24
• Thralls: The lowest class, consisting of enslaved persons or bondsmen who worked for others.324

While the society was patriarchal, women held specific rights, such as the ability to own property and initiate divorce, and they played significant economic roles, including the production of woolen cloth. Over time, these social structures evolved, leading to the emergence of royalty and a widening gap between the elite and the free peasantry.31