Peace and Conflict Resolution

This chapter takes a closer look at the resolution of conflicts during the Viking Age. Even though Scandinavia was a peaceful region during the Viking Age, conflicts did happen between kings, between pretenders to the throne, between kings and chieftains, and between chieftains. Resolving conflicts during that time mostly revolved around creating new social networks. The chapter revisits the 1036 peace agreement between Norwegian king Magnus Olafsson and the Danish king Harthacnut. The said pact showed that strong kinship and friendship ties contributed to reducing societal tensions and internal strife. During and after battles, men could give grið (truce) to their friends and kin, an oath which signified that they guaranteed their personal security. In other words, having a kinsman or friend on the opposite side of an armed conflict was a kind of life insurance. The chapter also explains why the Viking Age battles described as the bloodiest are usually those with the highest percentage of foreigners. The Scandinavian royalty also uses marriage to further its goal of establishing alliances. Another way to establish string ties of loyalty among kings and chieftains was for them to foster one another's sons. This enables them to build a power base at the same time. Hostages, drawn from among those held in the highest regard, were also exchanged to create peace during the Viking Age. They were treated well while in the enemy's care to ensure the good nature of future relationships.