DANEGELD Meaning and
Definition
-
Danegeld is a historical term that refers to a tax or tribute paid by the Anglo-Saxon kingdoms of England to the Viking raiders during the 9th to the 11th centuries. The word "Danegeld" is derived from the Old English word "Daneger" meaning "Danish" and "geld" meaning "payment" or "tribute."
The payment of Danegeld was seen as a means to buy off the Viking invaders and prevent or mitigate their attacks on English territories. It was sometimes paid as a regular tribute, often in the form of silver coins, livestock, or other valuable goods. The tribute was typically collected collectively from the population through local taxes or levies imposed by the ruling authorities.
The notion of Danegeld was not limited to the English kingdoms and was also paid by other countries, such as France, as a way to appease Viking plunderers. It became a customary practice during this period of Viking expansion and raids, signaling a form of protection money paid by the invaded to the invaders.
Although initially an attempt to safeguard the kingdoms from Viking onslaughts, the payment of Danegeld eventually became counterproductive. Paying the tribute merely incentivized further Viking raids, as it demonstrated that extortion and plundering could be lucrative. This led to a continuous cycle of Viking attacks and the subsequent payment of Danegeld, ultimately weakening the Anglo-Saxon kingdoms and leaving them vulnerable to Viking invasions and conquest.
Common Misspellings for DANEGELD
- sanegeld
- xanegeld
- canegeld
- fanegeld
- ranegeld
- eanegeld
- dznegeld
- dsnegeld
- dwnegeld
- dqnegeld
- dabegeld
- damegeld
- dajegeld
- dahegeld
- danwgeld
- dansgeld
- dandgeld
- danrgeld
- dan4geld
Etymology of DANEGELD
The word "Danegeld" has its roots in Old English and derives from two Anglo-Saxon words: "Dane" meaning "Dane" or "Danish", and "geld" meaning "payment" or "tribute". It first appeared in written form in the 11th century.
During the Viking Age (8th to 11th centuries), Viking raids from Denmark, Norway, and Sweden were particularly prevalent in the British Isles. These Viking invasions often involved pillaging and plundering, causing significant damage to the affected areas. The English kingdom sought various ways to counter these raids, one of which was to offer payments or tribute to the Vikings in exchange for their peaceful departure. This payment was known as the "Danegeld", literally translated as "Danish payment" or "Dane tribute".
The Danegeld can be seen as a means of buying temporary peace and avoiding further devastation caused by Viking raids.
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
