Legal Definitions - felonia

Felonia refers to a historical legal concept originating from feudal law. It describes a serious offense committed by a vassal (a person who held land or rights from a lord) against their lord, which resulted in the forfeiture (loss) of their fee (the land, property, or rights granted to them by the lord in exchange for service and loyalty).

Essentially, felonia was a profound breach of the feudal contract—a betrayal of the fundamental duties and loyalty owed by a vassal to their lord—that carried the severe penalty of losing one's feudal holdings.

Here are some examples illustrating the concept of felonia:

• Example 1: Betrayal During Conflict
  Imagine a knight, Sir Gareth, who holds a castle and surrounding lands (his fee) from Duke Robert. Sir Gareth has sworn an oath of fealty, promising loyalty and military service to the Duke. However, during a war with a neighboring kingdom, Sir Gareth secretly provides strategic information to Duke Robert's enemy, hoping to gain favor and potentially more land from the opposing side if they win. This act of treasonous betrayal would be considered felonia. As a consequence, Duke Robert would have the right to seize back Sir Gareth's castle and lands, stripping him of his fee due to his grave offense against his lord.

• Example 2: Refusal of Essential Service
  Consider a baron, Lord Alaric, who holds a large estate (his fee) from the King, with the understanding that he must provide a contingent of 50 armed knights for the royal army whenever summoned. When the kingdom faces an invasion, the King issues a summons for all his vassals to gather their forces. Lord Alaric, despite having the means, deliberately refuses to send his knights, claiming he is too busy with his own affairs. This willful refusal to perform a fundamental feudal duty, which directly harms the King's ability to defend the realm, would constitute felonia. The King could then justly reclaim Lord Alaric's estate as punishment for his severe dereliction of duty.

• Example 3: Direct Assault on the Lord
  Suppose a count, Count Leopold, holds vast territories (his fee) directly from the Emperor. During a heated debate at the imperial court, Count Leopold, in a fit of rage, draws his sword and physically attacks the Emperor, causing him injury. This direct physical assault on his liege lord is an extreme act of disloyalty and defiance, representing a complete breakdown of the feudal relationship. Such an egregious offense would unequivocally be classified as felonia, leading to Count Leopold's immediate and complete forfeiture of all his lands and titles held under the Emperor's authority.