Heathen Caste System
Old English - Old Teutonic - Modern English: Definition
Gothi/Gothan: priest/priests of the native religion
Cyng - Kuningaz - King: ruler of the state
Eorl - Erōna - Earl/Jarl: Nobleman
þegen - þegenaz - Thegn/Thane: a warrior in service to a lord
And
Hlāfweard - Hlaibwardaz - Lord: master of servants or head of a household
Ceorl - Kerlaz - Churl/Carl: free man
þræl - þragilaz- Thrall: a
slave, someone beholden to a
lord or
masterThe Gothi, Cyng, and Eorl are collectively known as the Hauhan, the high ones. The Gothan exist somewhat apart from the nature of the state in a religious capacity, but the Cyng bridges the gap and serves as the representative of the gods will in the land and government until such time as he fails and is removed by the Witan/Thing of Eorls and Gothan and is replaced from the ranks of other Eorls or members of the former Cyng’s family.
The difference today between thralls and carls is that the thrall is usually landless and beholden to a menial wage job whereas the carl is a landed or propertied man who runs his own business or is self sufficient upon his land and community. The character of the Carl is also more refined and characteristic of folk living while the thrall simply follows direction and generally suffers internally until he can better himself and his position through work and refinement.
All of these roles apply to both genders.