Editing Serfdom (section)

===Initiation===
A [[Franklin (class)|freeman]] became a serf usually through force or necessity. Sometimes the greater physical and legal force of a local [[magnate]] intimidated [[Fee simple|freeholders]] or [[Allodial title|allodial]] owners into dependency. Often a few years of crop failure, a war, or [[brigandage]] might leave a person unable to make his own way. In such a case, he could strike a bargain with a lord of a manor. In exchange for gaining protection, his service was required: in labour, produce, or cash, or a combination of all. These bargains became formalised in a ceremony known as "bondage", in which a serf placed his head in the lord's hands, akin to the ceremony of [[Homage (feudal)|homage]] where a [[vassal]] placed his hands between those of his [[Lord|overlord]]. These oaths bound the lord and his new serf in a feudal contract and defined the terms of their agreement.<ref>Marc Bloch, ''Feudal Society: The Growth of the Ties of Dependence''.{{page?|date=March 2024}}{{ISBN?}}</ref> Often these bargains were severe.{{Clarification needed|reason=What does severe mean?|date=April 2024}}

A 7th-century [[Old English|Anglo Saxon]] "Oath of Fealty" states:
{{blockquote|By the Lord before whom this sanctuary is holy, I will to '''N.''' be true and faithful, and love all which he loves and shun all which he shuns, according to the laws of God and the order of the world. Nor will I ever with will or action, through word or deed, do anything which is unpleasing to him, on condition that he will hold to me as I shall deserve it, and that he will perform everything as it was in our agreement when I submitted myself to him and chose his will.}}

To become a serf was a commitment that encompassed all aspects of the serf's life. The children born to serfs inherited their status, and were considered born into serfdom. By taking on the duties of serfdom, people bound themselves and their progeny.