What was the function of a vassal in feudal society?

A vassal in feudal society had the primary role of owing service to a lord or monarch. This relationship was fundamental to the feudal system, which was characterized by a hierarchy of obligations and land tenure. Vassals were granted land, known as a fief, by their lords in exchange for military service and loyalty. This mutual obligation created a bond between the vassal and the lord, wherein the vassal would provide military support, protection, and other services as required by the lord, while the lord offered protection and land in return.

This arrangement highlights the decentralized nature of power during the medieval period, where local lords wielded significant influence and authority, and vassals played a critical role in maintaining the social and political order. The vassal's duty to serve and defend their lord was not only a personal commitment but also a well-established part of the feudal contract that defined relationships in medieval Europe.