With the challenges of 2020, many people decided to test the waters (either willingly or under duress) doing freelance work.

Of course, there are several different roles available – editing, social media management, customer service, and more.

But have you ever wondered where the term “freelance” originated?

Dictionary giant Merriam-Webster claims the word was coined by Sir Walter Scott in his 1820 novel, “Ivanhoe.” It referred to a medieval mercenary who would fight for the person or nation willing to pay the most.

In Ivanhoe, a feudal lord uses the term to describe the army he’d created:

“I offered Richard the service of my Free Lances, and he refused them—I will lead them to Hull, seize on shipping, and embark for Flanders; thanks to the bustling times, a man of action will always find employment.”

The concept and term quickly took off in English society.

One meaning that emerged for “freelancer” was that of a politician without any clear political affiliation – nowadays, that person would be considered an Independent.

While the word itself is relatively recent (if you consider 200 years “recent”), the idea of a hired warrior goes back to ancient times. Xerxes I, King of Persian, is rumored to have used Greek mercenaries in his 484 BC invasion of Greece. Alexander the Great was known to use them to supplement his world-beating army.

Even the Romans, who were one of the first nations to create a professional class of warriors, found it necessary to hire out some of their fighting to willing barbarians by the 4th century AD.

By the time the first millennium rolled around, hired soldiers had become pretty much standard operating procedure for rulers of the realm. Records from the Middle Ages show that these “free lances” were called by several Latin names, including stipendiarii (those given a stipend), soliderii (“soldiers”), or simply mercennarius (“mercenaries”).

If you’re looking for a warrior willing to safeguard your financial future, give us a call at 513-563-PLAN (7526) or book online. I can guarantee our only allegiance is to your best interest.

Regards,

Nikki Earley, CFP®