What is "hirden"

In the 20th century, Hirden (the hird) was a paramilitary organisation during the occupation of Norway by Nazi Germany, modelled the same way as the German Sturmabteilungen.

Vidkun Quisling's fascist party Nasjonal Samling frequently used words and symbols from the old Norse Viking era. During the Second World War, membership was compulsory for all Nasjonal Samling members. In total, about 8,500 Norwegians were members of Hirden during the war.

The organisation was dissolved after the liberation, and many of its former members were prosecuted and convicted for treason and collaboration.