Norse clans - Definition and Overview

The Scandinavian clan or Ätt was a social group based on common descent or on the formal acceptance into the group at a Ting. In the absence of a police force, the clan was the primary force of security in Norse society as the clansmen were obliged by honour to avenge one another. The norse clan was not tied to a certain territory in the same way as a Scottish clan, where the chief owned the territory. The land of the Scandinavian clan was owned by the individuals who had close neighbours from other clans.

As a degree of law and order was established in Scandinavia, the ätt gradually lost its relevance for commoners. For royalty and nobility, however, it remained in use as the name for line and dynasty.

Examples of clans:

• Waegmunding, in Beowulf.
• Ylfing or Wulfing in Beowulf and Norse Sagas.
• Scylfing (Yngling)
• Skjöldung (Scylding)
• Volsung
• Folkung