Bóndi
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Bóndi (also húsbóndi,[1] (pl.) bændr in Old Norse) was the Norse core of society, formed by farmers and craftsmen in the Scandinavian Viking Age, and constituted a widespread middle class. They were free men and enjoyed rights such as the use of weapons and the privilege to join the Thing as farm-owning landlords.[2][3]
The profile is specified in Rígsthula, a Scandinavian legend describing the god Ríg lying with three couples to procreate and give birth to the three social classes: thralls, karls (or bændr) and jarls. The poem describes the image and behavior as it should be, and the type of work expected at each.
The Norse mythology cites Karl as a result of the illicit relationship between god Heimdal and mortal Amma. Karl and his wife Snor would be progenitors of the peasants and freemen.[4] The odalsbóndi (owner with hereditary possessions) could give up some of their land to other karls in exchange for loyalty and unconditional support whenever necessary.[5] However, the term karl in some ancient writings denoting a free man status of low social class without access to family ties with upper castes or royalty.[6]