12. Religious and Moral Attitudes
Early Norse paganism accepted slavery as a natural part of society, with little moral questioning. Rituals and myths often reinforced the social order, including the status of thralls. However, as Christianity spread through Scandinavia, new debates emerged. Christian doctrine, with its emphasis on spiritual equality, began to challenge long-standing norms and inspired gradual shifts in attitudes toward slavery. For a broader perspective on these changes, see Britannica’s overview of slavery in European economies.
