Jomsvikings: the story on HearLore

Military Code And Selective Membership

Membership in the Jomsviking order was restricted to men of proven valor between 18 and 50 years old. A boy named Vagn Åkesson defeated Sigvaldi Strut-Haraldsson in single combat at the age of 12 as an exception to this rule. Prospective members had to prove themselves through a feat of strength, often taking the form of a ritual duel called holmgang with an existing Jomsviking. Once admitted, they were bound to defend their brothers and avenge their deaths if necessary. They could not speak ill of their fellows or quarrel with them. Blood feuds between members required mediation by Jomsviking officers. The code forbade showing fear or fleeing before an enemy of equal or inferior strength. Orderly retreat appeared acceptable when facing vastly outnumbering forces. All spoils of battle were distributed equally among the entire brotherhood. No member could be absent from Jomsborg for more than three days without permission. Women and children were forbidden within the fortress walls, and none was to be taken captive.

Common questions

What is the Jomsvikings order of Viking mercenaries?

The Jomsvikings were a legendary order of Viking mercenaries or conquerors active during the 10th and 11th centuries. Their story appears in Icelandic sagas from the 12th and 13th centuries including the Jómsvíkinga saga and King Olaf Tryggvasson's Saga.

Where was the stronghold of the Jomsvikings located?

Texts claim their stronghold of Jomsborg stood on the southern shore of the Baltic Sea but modern historians have never agreed on its exact location. Some researchers suggest it might be identical with Jumne Julin or Vineta mentioned in Danish and German records from the Middle Ages.

Who could join the Jomsvikings order and what were the rules?

When did the Battle of Fýrisvellir occur involving the Jomsvikings?

This conflict occurred at the Battle of Fýrisvellir near Uppsala in either 984 or 985 during the early 980s when exiled Swedish prince Styrbjörn the Strong brought the Jomsvikings to a devastating defeat against his uncle King Eric the Victorious.

What physical evidence exists for the existence of the Jomsvikings?

The Curmsun Disc was re-discovered in Sweden during autumn 2014 and bears the name of Harald Bluetooth identifying Jomsborg as a stronghold seat. This golden disc has a weight of 25.23 grams and contains high gold content with a Latin inscription reading +ARALD CVRMSVN+REX AD TANER+SCON+JVMN+CIV ALDIN+.

When was the fortress of the Jomsvikings destroyed by King Magnus I of Norway?

King Magnus I of Norway decided to put an end to the Jomsviking threat according to Heimskringla and sacked Jomsborg in 1043. The fortress was destroyed and many inhabitants were killed during this attack which marked the beginning of their decline over the next few decades.

Jomsvikings.

Military Code And Selective Membership

Decisive Battles Of The Tenth Century

Archaeological Evidence And Runestones

The Fall Of Jomsborg In 1043

Cultural Legacy In Modern Media

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