Scandinavia RPG

In addition to campaigns and plundering in the west and east, the Swedes were engaged in civil strife within their Scandinavian territory. The kings consolidated their power, united against other leaders, and defended their lands.

The Swedes served as mercenaries for the Danes, joining them to terrorize England, and jointly repelled Norwegian attacks. The Swedes' primary focus was the east, that is, the Baltic and the river routes deep into what would become Rus' (Rus' began to "gather" after the summoning of Rurik in 862, and Kyiv and Novgorod united in 882). Sweden imposed tribute on the captured territories, with the Finns particularly hard hit.

Before the adoption of Christianity, pagan gods were worshiped in Sweden. The most important of these were Odin (the supreme god of wisdom and war), Thor (the god of thunder and chief protector), and Freyr (the god of fertility). Religious rites were held in shrines or outdoors. Sacrifices were made, most often of animals, but sometimes of humans. Captured enemies were also used as offerings to the gods.

Christianity began to spread in the 9th-10th centuries, but for a long time it coexisted with the ancient cult, displacing it for many centuries.

Society was divided into several strata. The nobility included chieftains (konungs) and large landowners (jarls). The bulk of the population consisted of free peasants, artisans, and merchants (bonds or dwarves). At the very bottom were the slaves (thralls). They had no rights and were generally considered uninhabitable.

The head of the hotor was a man. He decided all matters and represented his household at the ting—the people's assembly. The woman managed the household, and a large ring of keys, which opened all the doors, was a symbol of her authority. While the husband was away, the wife took his place. Children did not attend school, but worked around the household, learning skills.

Families lived mostly on separate farmsteads, each with a single longhouse and outbuildings. The longhouse contained everything: a living area, storage for pipas, and even a barn for livestock, especially useful during the winter, which lasted up to six months. An open hearth burned in the center of the dwelling. Sleepers slept on wide benches along the walls (there were usually no rooms). Smoke from the hearth escaped through a hole in the ceiling; there were no windows. Animal skins were used as blankets, and all personal belongings were stored in chests and boxes.

The diet consisted primarily of porridge, coarse bread, meat (rarely and not fresh, but dried, smoked, or cured), fish, dairy products, turnips, onions, and legumes. Beer and mead were common drinks, with imported wine reserved for the wealthy.

Agriculture was the mainstay. In the perpetually cold climate, the cultivation of low-maintenance crops, which didn't require much sun or long cultivation times, predominated. Cattle, sheep, and pigs were also raised. Fishing and hunting played an important role. Women wove clothing and spun wool, while men worked metal and wood. Craftsmen lived in separate trading settlements.