The Huscarls (or housecarls, huscarlars, etc.) were free men, voluntarily working for the Skandinavian nobility as manservants or troops (as opposed to thralls, who were bound by duty or ownership). Such servants, especially bodyguards, were highly regarded by their employers and had a significant social status, both in terms of wealth and privileges. Despite being de facto mercenaries, the Huscarls were at times entrusted with important roles like border defence, for example under king Svein Forkbeard in Denmark.