SVERÐIN
THE SWORDS
HISTORY
Sverðin was originally an independent ancestral Swedish military order going back several centuries. On Týrsdagr, 12 Þorri 1276 (6 February 2024), Sverðin became part of Norwegian/Danish Skjǫldrinn as per Karlsborgarsáttmál (Karlsborg Treaty). At which point, all legacy members of Sverðin were integrated within Skjǫldrinn, resulting in the Swedish military order being dissolved.
In order to continue the long legacy of the order, however, Sverðin has re-formed, and the former Úlfaherr has now become part of the new Brotherhood.
OVERVIEW
Sverðin is the brotherhood that includes the reserve force of Skjǫldrinn and Jómsvíkingar, which is made of Hirðmenn Hirðir (Units) led by by one or two Hirðarforinjar (Unit Leaders), typically Hersar or non-integrated Úlfhéðnar (referred to as ULF-S).
Sverðin literally translates to "The Swords” in norrœnt mál. This is very representative of what it represents to this day: A brotherhood of men together with a reserve force defined by strong warrior inclinations and led by Úlfhéðnar.
Sverðin is not centralized on an Abrahamic approach and perspective, and as a result, does not include a dogma, priests or spiritual leaders (referred to as goðar), or otherwise direct control, however insidious, of its members. Instead, Sverðin is structured on a military and tribal model, follows Forn Siðr (Old Customs), and thus a specific ethos.
BELIEFS
Sverðin is founded on Víkingalǫg, Mannskapr, and naturally, Forn Siðr (The original and authentic Norse spirituality, also known as The Old Norse Religion), or even ÚLFASIÐR for a selected few.
STRUCTURE
Hirðmenn and Hersar are the foundation of Sverðin. Hirðmaðr means member of a troop or unit (the man element further established that females were not part of war bands in Viking times and still are not to this day), while Hersir refers to unit or troop commander. The organization also includes Berserkir and Úlfhéðnar.
Hirðmenn and Hersar can be organized in Hirðir (Units). Berserkir and Úlfhéðnar are organized in Hirðir. Hirðir can be under several degrees of control from the organization, or even fall under the command of Norðsherstjórn (NHS).
GOVERNING BODIES
Sverðin is a part of Helluland, originally Viking land in Canada, also known as Baffin Island, and now virtual nation of Norðmenn.
Each unit within Sverðin has the option of being represented at the þing (Assembly) by Hirðarforinjar (Unit Leaders), and Hirðarhöfðingjar (Unit Commanders), for matters of importance to the organization as a whole.
Additionally, while members of a units are encouraged to resolve their differences at the unit level, including through the use of force with hólmgöngur, each unit falls under the jurisdiction of Fimtardómr (Fifth Court) for dispute arbitration.
