The feudal system, which structured medieval society, was built on a framework of mutual obligations between different social classes. At its core, the system featured a hierarchy that included the king, nobles (lords), vassals, and peasants (serfs).
At the top of the feudal hierarchy was the king, who granted land (fiefs) to his nobles in exchange for loyalty and military support. This establishes a fundamental relationship where the king relies on his lords for protection and governance over the land.
Nobles, in turn, would grant portions of their lands to vassals. In exchange for this land, vassals pledged their service to the noble, which typically included military assistance and advice during conflicts. This arrangement not only provided the lord with protection and military strength but also ensured that vassals had a means of sustenance and income from the land.
At the bottom of this hierarchy were the peasants, who worked the land. In return for their labor, they received protection from the lords, access to land to farm for their own needs, and a degree of security. This relationship often meant that peasants would owe a portion of their harvest to their lords as rent, while expecting the noble to provide them with safety from outside threats.
This mutual dependency created a structured society, where everyone had a specific role and obligations, ensuring stability and order within the feudal system. However, it also meant that each class was reliant on the other, and any failure to meet these obligations could lead to conflict or a breakdown in the societal structure.