History

How Did the Vikings Calculate Fines?

A new translation of the historic Forsa Ring, one of the oldest Viking documents, suggests that the system for paying fines was more flexible than previously thought

By Hrothsige Frithowulf
Vikings Calculate Fines
The ancient runes that came with the Forsa Ring, describing a fine to be paid (in oxen and/or silver). Image: Lars Kennerstedt/Swedish National Heritage Board