The Varangian Guard



“Scandinavians were frightening both in appearance and in equipment, they attached with reckless rage and neither cared about losing blood nor their wounds.”

BYZANTINE CHRONICLERS

“The word “Varangian” is widely accepted as coming from the Proto-Norse word vàr which means ‘confidence’ or ‘vow of fidelity’, thus Væringi, that is, a group of men who had sworn oaths of allegiance and fellowship.” (quote from Osprey Men at Arms The Varangian Guard 988-1453) ……and they were faithful to their Emperor to the last!