ABSTRACT
Germanic warriors also gained prestige through raiding and warfare, primarily stealing cattle and slaves. Raiding went on between tribes and between feuding clans within tribes. Clans were related through blood ties that forbade marrying or feuding with close kin. Between clans, however, disputes were often settled through revenge and feuding. Warriors were obligated to participate in interclan warfare on behalf of their kin, and had to exact revenge if a member of the family was injured or killed. In some cases, the injury was settled by paying a fine or man-price called wergild. Feuds were forbidden during religious holidays, during tribal gatherings or assemblies, and during military expeditions. Anyone who violated these rules would be declared an outlaw, literally outside the protection of the clan.
