ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Housecarl

A housecarl is like a big, strong, and loyal helper who lived a long, long time ago in a place called Scandinavia. The housecarl worked for someone important, like a king or a powerful landowner. They were kind of like a private bodyguard, always making sure that their boss was safe and everything was in order.

If there was ever a time when their boss needed help, the housecarl would be ready to jump into action. They might have to use a sword or a big shield to protect their boss from danger, like an enemy trying to attack or a wild animal that got too close. The housecarl would always be brave and willing to do whatever it took to keep their boss safe.

Sometimes, the housecarl would even live with their boss in their home. They would do things like help keep the house clean, cook meals, and take care of any other chores that needed to be done. But most importantly, the housecarl was always there to protect their boss whenever they needed it.
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