There are many sagas sung about the tales of
individual viking heroes from across the ages. Sometimes they fight alongside
or against recurring characters but for the most part it seems that the focus is
on them. Today, however, we will focus on the rare occasion where an entire unit proved worthy of its
own legend. They are the Jomsviking Mercenaries! you can learn much more about the epic history
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invicta i highly recommend that you take a look at what they have to offer and dive into the
material that you are most interested in enjoy Right off the bat it must be stated that
the Jomsvikings are at the very least a semi-mythical unit with very little that can
be confirmed historically. What survives to the modern day are a scattering of written records and
a handful of artefacts from disparate locations. The meat of their legend primarily
comes to us from the Jomsvikings Saga which exists in four Icelandic versions
with one additional latin translation. Beyond this they are passingly
mentioned in the kings’ sagas, the Heimskringla, the Fagrskinna, the Knytlinga,
and the Greater saga of Olafr Tryggvason. Taken together these records
allow us to paint a somewhat cohesive story of the Jomsvikings. However just
because we can write books about their exploits doesn't make them true. In fact scholars greatly
debate the veracity of their tale in which many figures or events are believed to be fictitious
or at the very least greatly exaggerated. Suspiciously, the closer we get to records
from the period of their supposed existence, the more they recede from our view. This
has all the hallmarks of a legendary tale. Likely there is some seed of truth at the
core of the Jomsvikings but unravelling fact from fiction is virtually impossible. Thus
it will be best to take our episode today with a healthy dose of scepticism. That being
said, the Jomsviking Unit, legendary or not, was certainly inspirational to real people in
a similar manner to the Myrmidons of Achilles, and is well worth studying. With that
disclaimer out of the way, let us proceed. As we mentioned, there are several sources
which tell the tale of the Jomsvikings. Each of these weaves its own narrative.
Choosing just one leaves gaps while choosing them all leaves
contradictions. Therefore we will be doing our best to stitch these together
in the most cohesive and accurate manner. Based on this approach, it seems that
the Jomsvikings were probably founded in the late 900s AD. Tradition claims this
was done by the legendary Danish hero, Palnatoke. However another possible candidate
is King Harald Bluetooth of Denmark who spent much of his reign fortifying the realm with
strategic forts and other construction projects. One saga makes this claim explicitly: Quote “King Harald [Bluetooth] raided in the land of
the Wends and had a great stronghold built there at a place called Jóm, and since then
that stronghold has been called Jómsborg. He put a commander in charge of it, and himself
returned to Denmark, and for a long time there was hostility between the Wends and the Danes, and
each side made raids in the lands of the other.” To this day, there is much dispute
about the true location of the city. However the recent discovery
of a new historical chronicle points to its existence at the northwestern most
corner of modern Poland near the town of Wolin. It is here that researchers have confirmed
the presence of some objects from the period but this is far from conclusive. Meanwhile others
continue to argue for various competing sites, some of which have since been overtaken by the
sea. Simply put, the debate is far from settled. Regardless of where we might
pin Jomsburg on the map, we can at least give you its description
from our sources. These indicate that the settlement sprung from the muti-ethnic market
town of Jumne where, among the Danes, one could find a large number of men from “Eastern Lands”.
Here is how one later Christian source puts it: “At [the mouth of the river], where
it feeds the Scythian marshes, Jumne, a most noble city, affords a very widely
known trading centre for the barbarians and Greeks who live round about. Because great and scarcely
credible things are said in praise of this city, I think it of interest to introduce a few facts
that are worth relating. It is truly the largest of all the cities in Europe, and there live
in it Slavs and many other peoples, Greeks and barbarians. For even alien Saxons also have the
right to reside there on equal terms with others, provided only that while they sojourn there they
do not openly profess Christianity. In fact, all its inhabitants still blunder about in
pagan rites. Otherwise, so far as morals and hospitality are concerned, a more honourable
or kindlier folk cannot be found. Rich in the wares of all the northern nations, that city
lacks nothing that is either pleasing or rare.” Yet the settlement was not just a commercial
centre. According to the Jomsvikings saga, it would now be reinforced by the construction of a
formidable fortress which would serve as the home for many hard-bitten warriors. The sagas mention
how its port was defended by a gated entrance which passed under a great stone archway. This may
have been a natural formation or more likely was a man-made part of the circle-style castles commonly
constructed by Harald Bluetooth. Such bastions were made of wooden walls, half encompassing an
urban hub on land and half defending a harbour on the water. The sagas in this case claim that the
Jomsburg port was large enough to hold 360 ships. Though such a claim is highly dubious it likely
speaks to the impressive nature of the position. But it wasn’t just the fortress itself which
inspired legends. The people within were its true claim to fame. In this regard our sources
indicate that the men who made their way to fill this new bastion considered themselves
as being a cut above their fellow Norsemen. For instance, rather than falling in line along
traditional social hierarchies, the Jomsvikings developed a unique brotherhood whose bonds
superseded any other pre-existing relations. In a manner similar to the Knights Templar
they were also said to have followed a strict set of codes which enshrined their exclusivity
and legendary status. These went as follows: 1. No man younger than 18 or
older than 50 could be enrolled 2. Kinship was not to be taken
into consideration for recruitment 3. No man may run from an opponent "who
was as resolute and well-armed as himself" 4. No man may indicate fear by speech
or be frightened in any situation 5. Jomsvikings must avenge one another as brothers
6. Anything of value gained on expeditions must be shared equally among the entire group
7. No man may stir up contention 8. No man may spread rumors.
9. The leader is to disseminate all news 10. No man may have a woman in the fortress city 11. No man may be absent from the city
for more than 3 days on personal business 12. The leader is to have the final say
in any dispute, especially in anything involving kin-slaying, even that which may
have occurred outside of the brotherhood In this manner were the ranks
of the Jomsvikings forged. Let us now take a closer look
at each individual warrior. Generally speaking they would have donned
similar gear to the other Norseman of the region. However, as we shall soon discuss, they served as
a renowned mercenary group and thus had both the need and the means to equip themselves in a manner
which was superior to your common farmer levy. Instead Jomsvikings were likely closer
to professional housecarls troops who would have had a full kit, richly
adorned with carvings and gilding. In terms of defence this meant donning a shirt
of chainmail or lamellar armour, akin to their brothers who travelled south to the land of the
Greeks. In addition they bore a traditional norse helmet and shield which provided ample protection
but would have featured additional visual flair. For offence, spears and axes were the
most common weapons in the Viking arsenal. Wealthier warriors often wielded swords
which were a prized status item. In addition, most troops also wore a sidearm such as the
large dagger known as the “seax”. Once again these were likely also decorated with intricate
patterns, precious stones, and even gilding. Beyond this nothing else is stated explicitly.
However it's hard to imagine that among their ranks none possessed legendary or at least named
gear. Afterall such items are widely attested to in other sagas which feature warriors bearing
magical items which include indomitable clubs treated with fire, impervious tunics fashioned
from reindeer hide, or master swords with snakes that emerged from their guard. Unfortunately
such details are left to the imagination. But how did these troops come to find themselves
in the ranks of the Jomsvikings in the first place? Well, as we stated the first group got
its start as a rag tag force that coalesced behind their original leader. Upon getting
organised and establishing their exclusivity, they soon began launching annual campaigns across
the region to win gold and glory. Word of their deeds travelled fast and the allure of their
elite community proved irresistible to men, thirsting for adventure, who
wished to prove themselves worthy. Generating a pool of potential recruits was
therefore easy. The Jomsvikings could thus afford to uphold their reputed exclusivity and accept
only the best of the best who came knocking. The sagas share several examples of
this process which we shall now present. The first involves the tale of two young brothers,
Sigvaldi and Thorkell. Upon hearing of this new mercenary group to the east, they pleaded
with their father to help them gain admission. However he wished that the promising youths
should use this opportunity to prove themselves. They were therefore sent off, each with their
own ship and a retinue of 60 men to find their own way. They took this challenge in stride.
The boys now sailed up and down the coasts, ransacking and pillaging the farms that
they came across until they had accumulated enough supplies and wealth with which to
make their grand entrance at Jomsborg. When their ships finally arrived, their presence
was announced to the leader of the company, who allowed their ships to enter the harbour. The
sagas then say that they were tested - a process that only half of them passed. While
the 60 men who had failed sailed home, the remainder swore to faithfully uphold
the tenets and the laws of the Jomsvikings. Soon afterward, another group came to join. But
there was one complication. Their leader's father had been killed in the previous year's raids
by Sigvaldi and Thorkell. In any other context, a blood feud would have destroyed
any chance of cooperation. However the Jomsvikings were different. With
impartiality they extended the same test to the newcomers on the one condition that they bury
the hatchet of revenge. When this was agreed to, those deemed worthy were allowed to join. All
now united under the code of the brotherhood. As the Jomsvikings reputation grew, it inevitably
began to attract the most fascinating of characters. Among these would be a teenage boy
by the name of Vagn Akesson. The sagas fondly describe him, saying that “he was such an unruly
fellow that by the time he was nine he had already killed three men.” At the age of twelve, Vagn
asked his father for a pair of ships each crewed by 60 young men between the ages of 18 and 20.
These young firebrands now setoff for Jomsborg, ravaging their way across Denmark as appears to
have now become tradition for potential recruits. After a long journey, they finally arrived
at the fortress city with the rising sun, demanding the right to join the
ranks of the legendary unit. However because they were led by a child,
the request was denied. In response the 12 year old Vagn challenged the Jomsviking leader
directly. Such a summons could not be ignored. Thus, two ships sallied out to do battle
with them in full view of the brotherhood. The ensuing naval fight was apparently ferocious.
Though outnumbered 2-to-1, Vagn’s vessel managed to dance around the enemy, unleashing a rain
of javelin and arrow fire on their pursuers. Forced to retreat, the Jomsvikings now landed
in an attempt to regroup. But Vagn was right on their heels. The 12 year old lept ashore, leading
his warband in a charge that pummelled them into the frozen mud. Unable to resist, they called
for an end to the “test.'' As the dust settled, thirty of the Jomsvikings were found dead while
only three of Vagn’s men were killed. This display was good enough a test for all of them
to be admitted to the Jomsvikings on the spot. As should be no surprise, Vagn would go on
to become the greatest of their warriors. These sorts of hazing rituals are certainly
tantalising. Yet we must remember that the sagas are told in a Homeric style. They focus on
the heroic deeds of warlords at the expense of their faceless followers and are often
prone to great exaggeration. That being said, these tales nonetheless make clear the dynamics
which made the Jomsvikings so legendary. As we have seen, their exclusivity attracted
a wide pool of recruits from which only the best of the best could be selected. New
inductees bore this honour as a badge of pride, thus marking the first lashing that bound
them to the Jomsvikings. From then on, the connection would only grow as the strict
codes of the brotherhood served to cut loose their previous bonds while strengthening new
ones with their fellow warriors. This sense of comradery was paramount and would be reinforced
by the equitable distribution of wealth, the limitations placed on contact with the outside
world, and the banning of women from the base. Taken together, it's easy to see how this
created a uniquely cohesive and formidable mercenary corps. Now let’s go on to see how
this was leveraged in their service history. Tradition holds that the first man to lead
the Jomsvikings was the Danish hero Palnatoke. He reportedly established their code and
launched their first raids which began to develop their reputation. However the Jomsvikings
would truly begin their ascent when Palnatoke was overthrown by the arrival of Styrbjorn the Strong.
A Swedish prince in exile, he infused their ranks with new recruits and fresh ambition. Together
they now kickstarted their legendary journey through annual raiding of the Baltic coastline.
The sagas describe their campaigns as follows: “They go raiding every summer in various countries
and gain both wealth and fame for themselves. It is said by all that… there
have never been greater heroes or warriors than those Jómsvikings, and we
believe that their equals have hardly been seen. They now sail from the south along the coast, not
peacefully; they raid and steal wherever they go. They make large cattle raids and kill many people,
and wide is the area where they burn settlements to cold embers, and they went on the warpath
all the way from the south along the coast. And everyone who hears of their ravaging
and is able to get away flees before it.” Such success quickly snowballed with the
Jomsvikings accumulating ever more treasures and followers. This in turn allowed them to field more
raiding ships with which to take on larger prey. Soon they were even able to start throwing their
weight around, jockeying for power with jarls, earls, and kings. Ultimately, Styrbjorn seems to
have been intentionally building up his strength to make a play for Sweden where his uncle,
the suspected murderer of his father, sat on the throne. Thus, following the buildup of the
Jomsvikings, he began to pressure the neighbouring Danes to assist his war aims. One source gives the
absurd numbers of 1,000 ships bearing down upon the lands of Harald Bluetooth who in return agreed
to support Styrbjorn with 200 of his own vessels. While these claims should not be taken at
face value they do seem to indicate that the Jomsvikings were at least in a position to
marshall coalition forces of substantial size. This fleet would supposedly launch an
invasion of the Uppsala region of Sweden. After making initial progress, King
Eric finally rose up to meet them at the Battle of Fýrisvellir. It is here
that the sagas state that the defending Swedes unleashed a stampede of cattle against the
invaders which they followed up with by a charge. The move disrupted the Jomsvikings but they soon
rallied and met the assault with a countercharge. For two days the fighting was said to have
continued with the forces of Styrbjorn slowly grinding their way through the army of his
uncle which was fed by a stream of reinforcements. The second night saw both sides seek the
favour of the gods. One saga states that when Styrbjörn sacrificed to Thor he was met with
ill omens but that when Eric sacrificed to Odin a stranger appeared from the forest bearing a
reed which he was to shoot over the battlefield. When Eric did so the next day it transformed into
a javelin, blinded the Jomsvikings whom it passed over, and unleashed an avalanche which buried
them. Other sources spin similarly fanciful tales but all seem to conclude with the defeat
of the invaders and the death of Styrbjorn. In the aftermath, the Jomsvikings were left to
lick their wounds and adopt a new leader. This next Jarl was known as Sigvaldi Strut–Haraldsson,
one of the young men whom we mentioned had originally left his home to join the crew years
ago. While not as heroic as his predecessor, Sigvaldi is described as being more prudent
and scheming. Under his reign, the Jomsvikings increasingly extended their influence across
the north. Often this appears to have been done by taking on a range of mercenary contracts
or meddling in the geo-politics of the age. For instance in 986, Sigvaldi would lead them on a
campaign against the chiefs of Norway who had only recently broken free from Danish rule. Either as
a massive raid or invasion, the sagas claim that the Jomsvikings came with a fleet of 160 ships.
These began to lay waste to the countryside, causing devastation wherever they went. A survivor
from one of these attacks managed to escape to the local Jarl, Haakon the Strong who immediately
began rallying his own force of some 360 ships. When the Jomsvikings heard of the
rallying point, they prepared for battle and set out to meet Haakon at a place that
the sagas name as “Hjörungavágr.” Despite being outnumbered two or three to one, the
Jomsvikings initially had the upper hand. Their sheer fearlessness in the face of death,
along with their tight knit bonds and excellent gear, allowed them to press the Jarl’s forces
hard, to the point where one flank began to waver. Seeing this, the Norwegian leader turned to the
gods, offering many sacrifices including even his own daughter to gain their favour. Sated, they
sent a furious hailstorm onto the battlefield, which apparently only affected the side of the
Jomsvikings. As lightning streaked the sky, the tide of battle began to shift. But rather
than go down fighting, the opportunistic Sigvaldi fled. With his departure, what
remained of the battleline collapsed. The Jomsvikings would never recover in numbers
from this costly defeat. Yet they still retained much of their ferocity and reputation. Over the
next decade this was again put to use through mercenary work for the various Scandinavian
factions of the era. Though the Jomsvikings were reportedly staunch devotees of the Norse
gods, their true allegiance was to gold, and so they even found themselves in the employ
of Christian forces which came calling. For instance around 1000 AD, roughly 70
Jomsviking ships accompanied Olaf Tryggvason, the Christian king of Norway, in his campaigns
in Wendland. It is during this expedition that they would be ambushed by a coalition of
Danes and Wends at the Battle of Svolder. However it seems that this had been a carefully
laid trap. When the fighting began, the Jomsvikings turned upon Olaf's men. It
was a crushing defeat for the Christians which helped swing the pendulum of Scandinavian
power back in favor of the pagan factions. This resurgence would breathe life into
the Jomsvikings for another generation. During these years Thorkell the Tall, the younger
brother of Sigvaldi, would gain prominence among the Jomsvikings. By some accounts he
launched raids as far away as England. Here they caused such grief that King Aethelred
was forced to pay them a substantial bribe of danegild to cease their assaults. Soon more
money was plied their way to have them join forces with the English to repel the invasion
of Svein Forkbeard. After gaining victory by their hand however, the English King turned
upon the mercenaries in a sudden slaughter. The survivors escaped and
would not forget this betrayal. In 1015 they would return whilst in the service of
the invading King Cnut the Great. The Jomsvikings once again proved their mettle, winning many
victories. For this, Thorkell was made Earl of East Anglia; and his warband became the nucleus
of Cnut’s household guards. However their success would be their ultimate undoing. Other Kings
saw the Jomsvikings as a dangerous threat which might at any time be employed by their
rivals to overthrow them. Such a rogue element could not be allowed to stand. Thus when King
Magnus of Norway mobilised forces against Denmark and began to consolidate power he planned to
neutralise the Jomsvikings once and for all. In 1043 the King led a great force to decisively
crush the mercenaries, burning their fortress to the ground. Unfortunately the details of this
final action have been lost to the ages and we are left to imagine the final end of the Jomsvikings
amidst the flaming ruins of their stronghold. Ultimately however many of their former
members would continue to shape the fate of the North through a continuation of their
battlefield heroics and for generations more, the legend of the Jomsvikings would live on. We hope you've enjoyed this delve into the history
of one of the most fascinating band of warriors ever to set foot in the north. What
Units of History should we cover next? A huge thanks to the Patrons for funding
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