The
Jomsvikings were a semi-legendary order of
Viking mercenaries or
brigands of the 10th century and 11th century. They were staunchly
Pagan and dedicated to the worship of such deities as
Odin and
Thor. They reputedly would fight for any lord able to pay their substantial fees and occasionally fought alongside
Christian rulers. Although they were Pagan, the institutions of the Jomsvikings in some ways anticipated those of the Christian
Knightly Orders of the later
Middle Ages.