Hersir

"All the entrances, before you walk forward, you should look at, you should spy out; for you can't know for certain where enemies are sitting, ahead in the hall"

- First stanza of the Hávamál

During the Viking Age, the Hersir was the local commander of a Viking army, usually composed of 100 men. These elite leaders payed their allegiance to their jarl, or in later centuries, kings. Most Hersirs had their origins as landowners, with enough leadership abilities to act as a representative those of higher command.

However, the Hersir's role soon changed- He became a dedicated and vicious leader of Viking raids, organizing and planning them to supreme effect. The Hersir would command his men from the front of a shield wall, sword in hand and shield bared. The Hersirs are also credited with the use of a new variation of the shield wall, called the Svinfylking, where his men would form a zigzag pattern rather than the traditional straight line.

As the Vikings transferred from paganisms to Christianity, the role of the Hersirs went from raiding leaders to little more than political representatives. As such, they would often be baptised to impress Christian traders or show their obedience to their king. Despite this, those that still remained loyal to the pagan religion were still skilled warriors, mixing surprise, subtlety, and savagry to defeat their foes.