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In medieval times the land was tilled by serfs, also known as villeins. They were low status tenants of the local landowner A villein would work 20 to 40 acres of land Over time this has been changed in spelling and meaning

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14y ago
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10y ago

A "villain" was not originally an "evil" or "vile" person.

In feudal Europe, a "villein" (from villager) was a ranking serf, who answered to the feudal lord but was free in other respects. Many of these were cruel brutes who treated others with disdain. Their behavior came to be seen as selfish and arrogant.

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12y ago

Villain is another word for serf. The villain was an unfree commoner who lived in a small agricultural village. They owed labor to the lord of the manor in which they lived, typically two days a week or less, and could not move away from their village without their lord's permission. The actually wealth of villains varied a great deal. Some held no land apart from a cottage and a large garden, which would mean they had to hire out as labor to survive, others had enough land to support themselves, and a few accumulated significant land, enough to hire farmhands and in some cases household servants. A villain who was financially successful might be able to convert his labor obligation into into a cash payment, or hire a replacement to do his work.

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Q: What was a medieval villain?
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Related questions

What were the houses like for a villain in medieval times?

I assume you mean "villein," which was a type of medieval serf, as opposed to "villain," which is a bad guy. There is a link below to a related question on the homes of peasants. That answer has a good deal of detail, and has links to related information.


What was the role of a medieval Beadle?

a beadle was a medieval police man. If something had been stolen for example the lord of the manor would appoint the beadle and the reeve (a reeve is who the beadle assisted) and would catch the villain.


Who was the most likable medieval villain?

Probably Robin Hood was the most likeable medieval villain. The character is, however, almost certainly totally made up - and in reality 'good' king Richard was a rather vicious character who thoroughly disliked his British subjects and much preferred to spend his time on his French estates when not embarking on one of his many wars.


Who is the most famous villain of the middle ages?

I would say the most famous medieval vallain was the English King Richard III. There is a link to an article about him below.


Who owns land in medieval times?

William of Normandy's owned all the castles in England. he based them so they were spread out long the border


Can a villain kill off another villain?

Yes, it is possible for one villain to kill off another villain, especially if they have conflicting goals or interests. This scenario of one villain eliminating competition or perceived threats is a common trope in many stories and can add tension and complexity to the plot.


Is Cartier a hero or a villain?

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Is neon a superhero or villain?

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Was daedalus a hero or villain?

he is a villain


What is the antonym for hero?

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What would a medieval villain do on Sunday?

Sunday was typically a day free from work for the medieval villain. The pious would attend services at the village church. Social actives and recreation would take up much of the rest of the day. Medieval villages, despite their modest physical wealth, had a cultural life. Music, dancing, and storytelling were important social pastimes. Dice and board games were known. Sports such as wrestling and various forms of field sports were popular. The typical village did not have a tavern or inn, but it was common for a household that had recently brewed a batch of ale to host a boisterous social occasion.


What is the possessive form of villain?

The possessive form of the noun 'villain' is villain's.Example: The jury didn't believe the villain's claim of innocence.