ABSTRACT
Concepts of war and violence were intrinsically linked to Viking-Age society and to people’s lives and worldview. The lifestyle and identity of the warriors set the norm and formed a guideline for others. Martial values and codes of conduct constituted an essential part of the societal structure and functioned as a tool in maintaining order and balance in society. Not all warriors were the same or shared the same overall identity. Professional warriors and armed free men represent two categories of warriors with varying levels of independence and obligations. What united them were the importance of loyalty to the leader and the group and their responsibilities towards each other; responsibilities that covered actions in battle as well as in other aspects of life and death, and which left an impact on Viking-Age society.
