In feudal society, what did serfs provide in exchange for land and protection?

In feudal society, serfs primarily provided tribute in the form of crops and labor in exchange for the land they were allowed to work and the protection from their lords. This relationship was foundational to the feudal system, where serfs were bound to the land and could not leave without the lord's permission. The crops they grew were essential for the sustenance of both their families and the lords, while their labor contributed to the agricultural output that supported the local economy.

The concept of tribute in crops and labor highlights the economic dynamics of feudalism, where serfs were not simply workers but also integral to the sustenance of the social hierarchy. Lords provided protection and governance, while serfs ensured that the agricultural needs and labor demands of the feudal estate were met.

In contrast, the other options do not capture the essence of the serf-lord relationship as accurately. Military service, while important in feudal society, was typically the domain of vassals, not serfs. Education for the lords' children was not a role fulfilled by serfs, as that responsibility often fell to tutors or other educators. Lastly, while traders' ties with other regions were significant for economic exchanges, they were not a direct service provided