Michael:
>I became enamored of the use to which reputation could be put in
> reinforcing that
I think this is especially important among the Heortlings, where social rank and power are closely connected to status and reputation.
Status comes partially from the number of your herds etc. but also from your conspicuous gifting to others - of cattle, gifts, political and martial assistance, from your sponsors and those you sponsor. Reputation comes from your deeds and the songs sung about them. The two build on each other.
So reputation and status are at least partially reflected in your Relationship to Clan and your Wealth rating. Wealth is a bit tricky but crucial: status comes not from conspicuous consumption but conspicuous giving away. Wealth reflects how many people you've generously gifted (and who therefore owe you a favour/support you) as much as how many cows you've got in the top paddock. It's also partially about your bloodline wealth, not just your own.
Jeff Richard's questions about the relationship between Wealth and Weregild seem to be exploring similar territory.
Cheers
John
nysalor_at_... John Hughes
... a flying arrow, a crashing wave, night old ice,
a coiled snake, a bride's bed talk, a broken sword, the play of bears, a king's son.
Powered by hypermail