Legal Definitions - firdfare

Firdfare is an ancient legal term, primarily from Anglo-Saxon and early English law, that refers to the obligation of free men to serve in the military when summoned by the king or their lord. It also encompassed the right of the sovereign to levy troops for defense or warfare. Essentially, it was the duty of military service owed to the crown or a feudal superior.

Here are some examples to illustrate this concept:

• Example 1: Imagine a farmer living in 10th-century England. When news arrives that a neighboring kingdom is preparing an invasion, the local earl, acting on behalf of the king, issues a summons for all able-bodied men in the region to join the *fyrd* (the Anglo-Saxon army). This farmer, along with his neighbors, would be legally bound by the principle of firdfare to leave his fields, gather his weapons, and report for military duty to defend the realm.

  Explanation: This scenario directly illustrates firdfare as the compulsory military service owed by subjects to their sovereign for the defense of the kingdom.

• Example 2: In the feudal system that developed after the Norman Conquest, a powerful baron might hold vast tracts of land directly from the King. As part of this arrangement, the baron was often obligated to provide a specific number of knights and soldiers for the King's army for a certain period each year. If the King decided to launch a campaign against a rebellious lord or a foreign power, the baron would be compelled by the underlying principles of firdfare (though the terminology might evolve) to gather his retinue and lead them into battle on the King's behalf.

  Explanation: Here, firdfare is demonstrated through the feudal duty where landholding was directly tied to the obligation of providing military service, ensuring the king had access to a standing force.

• Example 3: While "firdfare" is an archaic term, its core principle—the state's right to compel military service from its citizens—can be seen in modern concepts like conscription or military drafts. For instance, during a major national emergency or war in the 20th century, a country might implement a draft, requiring all eligible young adults to register for potential military service. Although not called firdfare, this system reflects the sovereign's inherent right to summon its populace for defense or national interest, a right historically encapsulated by firdfare.

  Explanation: This example draws a conceptual parallel, showing how the fundamental idea behind firdfare—the state's power to demand military service from its populace—persists in modern legal frameworks, even if the specific ancient terminology is no longer used.