HUSKARL

The Huskarls were the bravest, most brutal and best equipped warriors of a Viking Age retinue, usually living with the king or chietain. As such, the Huskarl is the toughest fighting rank in the Hird and the person holding it needs to live up to the expectations. A Huskarl must be able to step into a ring or linebattle anywhere in the world, gaining respect for his skills and attitude while doing it.

There are 9 fighters in the Hird who have succeeded in passing the Huskarl test.

In order to attain the Huskarl rank, the person needs to step out of the comfort zone and unleash his fighting spirit in combination with skilled and varied techniques. He also needs to present a good attitude and be a role model within the Hird.

The Huskarl test is done in the Thungr style because it is optimal for a fierce bout that requires stamina and fighting spirit. A person passing the test will thus earn the respect of his brothers and gain the required reputation as a tough fighter. Even though the Huskarl test is done in Thungr style, it doesn't mean that the person needs to be or continue as a Thungr fighter. It is enough to practice the Thungr style just for the test. It is not required to own the necessary equipment for Thungr. It is perfectly fine to borrow it.

The requirement of having a two Hird Chief Instructors present for the Holmgang test requires planning and perhaps even travels. Huskarl tests are done preferably during the annual Miklating in Grimgard, Sweden, which is the home of the Hird. There the tests are done within the Hird Ring, Grimgards stone ship setting.

The Hird Ring minutes before a Huskarl Holmgang test

Upon passing the tests and being promoted to Huskarl, the members has also earned the right to an official Byname.

The Battle Officer(s) of the Hafn, together with the Mjotur, the Lendrmadr and Hird Chief Instructors decide when a Dreng is skilled enough to take the Huskarl test. In order to be eligble for the Huskarl test the person neeeds to: 

• Be present at training on regular basis for at least a year.
• Help new people integrate and be a role model.
• Respect and have knowledge of the Hirdlog.
• Own a complete civilian and a well cared for combatant "history" kit, including a Hird shield that is well taken care of. Read more here: Appearence and Equipment

HUSKARL HOLMGANG TEST

The Hird Holmgang tests are sacred rituals that are not allowed to film or photograph. Only sworn men of the Hird are allowed to be presesnt and watch the ritual.

1. The person needs be tired from physical excersises.
2. The person needs to fight 3 Holmgangs (3 x 3 rounds) against three different, more skilled Hird opponents without any breaks. These opponents need to be approved by the Hird Chief Instructors, preferably even chosen by them. 
3. The Holmgangs are fought with steel weapons using the Thungr style. This is a testament to the skill and toughness required by the person wanting to become a Huskarl.

Requirements to pass the test:

• The person needs to show a proper fighting spirit, even when exhausted, and an ability to use a variation of techniques rather than just one favorite strike. This includes moving around and showing both offensive and defensive skills.
• The person needs to try to accomplish an ORDSTIRR (fame, glory) strike to end the combat round. Fame was of great importance back in the Viking Age, where sneak-stabbing someone in the gut was not as appreciated as a swing that sent the head flying into a dung pile. The latter would result in a tale that could end up in the sagas. The person taking the test must thus display that mindset and take the necessary risks to gain fame and glory.
• A minimum of two Hird Chief Instructors needs to be present to oversee the Holmgang, safety and the person's performance. The objective is not to declare a winner/loser, but rather evaluate the persons skill, fighting spirit and stamina.
• A council consisting of the Hird Chief Instructors and all Jarls and Huskarls present, decide whether or not the person passes the test.