Danegeld facts for kids
The Danegeld (say: DAYN-geld) was a special tax or payment that English kingdoms gave to the Vikings between the 9th and 11th centuries. It was like paying a fee to make the Vikings go away and stop their raids. The Vikings themselves called it “geld” or “gafol.” The name "Danegeld" didn't become popular until the early 12th century.
This idea of paying off invaders wasn't just in England. In Eastern Europe during the 9th century, tribes like the Sami, Finnish, and Slavic people also paid taxes to the Swedes. In Francia (which is now France), the Franks paid the Vikings in Normandy to stop their attacks. In return, these Normans even agreed to become Christians and stop raiding.
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What was the Danegeld?
The Danegeld was a payment, usually in silver, given to Viking armies. It was meant to buy peace and stop the Vikings from attacking or settling in the land. Imagine a powerful group demanding money to leave you alone – that's what the Danegeld was. It was a way for kings to protect their people and land without fighting a big war.
Why was it paid?
During the Viking Age, Viking warriors often sailed from Scandinavia to raid and conquer lands across Europe. They were skilled fighters and their attacks could be very destructive. To avoid battles, many English kings decided it was better to pay the Vikings a large sum of money. This payment was supposed to make the Vikings leave and not come back. Sometimes it worked, but other times the Vikings would return for more money later!
Where else was it used?
The idea of paying off invaders wasn't unique to England.
- In Eastern Europe, various tribes paid taxes to Swedish Vikings. This helped to keep trade routes safe and prevent raids.
- In Francia (modern-day France), the Franks paid the Vikings who were attacking their lands. A famous example is when the Frankish king gave land in Normandy to a Viking leader. In exchange, the Vikings settled there, became Christians, and stopped raiding.
The Runestones Tell a Story
Some old stones in Sweden, called runestones, tell us about Vikings who received Danegeld. These stones were carved to remember important people and events. Some Vikings were so proud of getting Danegeld that they had it carved on their runestones! It showed they had been successful and wealthy. For example, one runestone mentions a Viking named Ulfríkr who received Danegeld twice in England. Another stone tells of Ulf of Borresta, who took Danegeld three times!
Images for kids
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The runestone U 344 in Orkesta, Uppland, Sweden, raised in memory of the Viking Ulf of Borresta, says that three times he had taken danegeld in England. The first one was with Skagul Toste, the second one with Thorkell the Tall and the last one with Canute the Great.
See also
In Spanish: Danegeld para niños
