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Marriages were arranged, and women did not have to give consent by law. However, it is known that many father's and perspective husbands still sought consent before the marriage proceeded. Widows were free to marry whoever they wished. Women were often represented by their brothers in arranged marriages. If her brothers could not decide between themselves, then the women got her choice. Also, if the brothers decided to keep turning down men so they could make her stay and do work around their own home, the women could marry whoever she chose after they did this twice. Viking men were also known for writing poetry to their women. One example is as follows:

I little reck... to reach her risked I have my life oft...

Though I be slain within the arms of my beloved,

Sleeping in the Sif-of-silken-gowns' embraces:

For the fair-haired woman feel I love unending

(Ibid., p. 134).

Viking women were actually considered to have more rights than other women of Europe during that time period. They were allowed to divorce their husband's if he mistreated them or their children. She was also allowed to divorce if he was not a good provider, lazy, or if he was rude to her family. In most cultures of the time, only the men could decide if they were to divorce and rather or not a woman was treated badly had nothing to do with the decision.

The Viking Lady site below has a good deal of very in depth information of Viking marriage rituals.

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15y ago

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