Hersir
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In Norse mythology, Hersir was the chief of his tribe and father of Erna.
A Hersir was also a local military commander who led about 20 people and owed allegiance to a Jarl or lord. Hersirs were also aspiring landowners, and, like the middle class in many feudal societies, supported the kings in their centralization of power. The Hersir was often equipped with a conical helmet and a short maille coat. Most would wield an iron sword, mostly augmented with a wooden shield. They were also known to wield one- or even two-handed axes. The Hersir would always fight on foot, usually as part of a shield wall formation. Another formation was also used the 'Svynfylking' which was a variation to the shield wall but with several wedge like formations pointing towards the enemy creating a zig zag pattern. Although excellent against other foot troops the Vikings were frequently defeated by mounted troops.[1]
By the end of the 10th century, the independence of the hersir was gone, and he was now a regional servant of the Norwegian king.[2]
[edit] External links
- http://www.historyofwar.org/articles/weapons_hersir.html
- http://www.ospreypublishing.com/title_detail.php/title=P3184~per=41
[edit] References
- ^ http://www.historyofwar.org/articles/weapons_hersir.html
- ^ http://www.ospreypublishing.com/title_detail.php/title=P3184~per=41
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Norse mythology |
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| Sources: Poetic Edda | Prose Edda | The Sagas | Volsung Cycle | Tyrfing Cycle | Rune stones | Old Norse language | Orthography | Later influence | |
| Society: Viking Age | Skald | Kenning | Blót | Seid | Numbers | |
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