Kylfings

The Kylfings: A Mysterious Chapter in Viking History

Imagine a group of people who roamed the northern reaches of Europe during the Viking Age, leaving behind whispers of their existence through runestones and sagas. These were the Kylfings, a people whose history is as enigmatic as it is intriguing. But what exactly do we know about them? Are they Finns, Norse, or something entirely different?

The Name Game

One of the first questions that comes to mind when discussing the Kylfings is: where does their name come from? The etymology of ‘Kylfing’ is a puzzle that scholars have been trying to solve for years. Some theories suggest it might mean a club or cudgel, while others propose it could be related to wooden tokens or even ship’s stems. Could the Kylfings be members of a ‘club’ or ‘brotherhood’? These are questions that continue to spark debate among historians.

Origins and Movements

The origins of the Kylfings remain a mystery, with scholars proposing various theories. Some believe they were ethnically Finnic or Norse, while others see them as a mix of both. The Russian cognate ‘Kolbjag’ was also mentioned in Old Russian sources, referring to foreign merchant-venturers and mercenaries. Could the Kylfings be synonymous with Vikings? Or perhaps they were Baltic Finnish tribes under Novgorod?

Thorolf Kveldulfsson, a tax agent for King Harald Fairhair, kept an eye on the Kylfing movements in northern Norway. He even killed over 100 marauders! This highlights their role as both traders and raiders during this tumultuous period.

The Battle of Hafrsfjord

During the consolidation of Norway under Harald Fairhair, the Kylfings played a significant role. They opposed his efforts to unite the country and participated in the famous Battle of Hafrsfjord. After Harald’s victory, they continued their raids on Finnmark and fought against his lieutenants.

Some sources suggest that many Kylfings may have emigrated to Iceland during the ninth and tenth centuries. Others propose that the Kölpények in Medieval Hungary were identical with the Kylfings/Kolbiagi, adding another layer of complexity to their history.

Byzantine Connections

In eleventh-century Byzantine sources, the Kylfings are mentioned as mercenaries in Constantinople. They were distinguished from Varangians and exempted from billetting by Alexios I Komnenos. This connection to the eastern Mediterranean adds another dimension to their story.

Runestones and Personal Names

The personal name Kylfingr is found in runestones in Sweden, which might be connected to the Kylfings as a group. The phrase ‘Austkylfur,’ or ‘East-Kylfings,’ mentioned in the epic poem Haraldskvæði by Thorbjorn Hornklofi, has been interpreted in various ways. Some believe it means ‘eastern ships,’ while others see it as ‘eastern logs’ or ‘men of the east.’ Guðmundsson identified it with Kylfings and believed it meant ‘eastern club-wielding men.’

Regardless of their exact identity, the Kylfings left a lasting impression on the history of northern Europe. They were not just raiders but also traders, mercenaries, and even tax collectors for Scandinavian rulers.

The Final Frontier

So, who exactly were the Kylfings? Were they Finns, Norse, or something else entirely? The answer remains elusive, much like a riddle waiting to be solved. But one thing is certain: their legacy lives on in the stories and runestones that tell of their adventures and conflicts.

The Kylfings were a people whose history is shrouded in mystery, but they played a significant role in shaping the landscape of medieval Europe. Whether they were Finns, Norse, or a mix of both, their story continues to fascinate historians and enthusiasts alike. The Kylfings remain a testament to the complex and often misunderstood nature of Viking Age history.