1. Economic Hardship: Serfs were tied to the land and could not leave their lord's estate without permission. They were usually paid in kind (such as a portion of the crops they produced) and had limited opportunities to supplement their income. They often owed various dues and taxes, which further strained their resources.
2. Legal Status: Serfs were not considered full citizens under the law and had limited rights. They could be subjected to arbitrary punishments, could not own land or property, and could not enter certain professions or guilds. They were essentially bound to the will of their lord, who held a significant amount of power over their lives.
3. Labor Obligations: Serfs had to work long hours on the lord's land, typically six days a week. Their obligations often included field labor, tending livestock, performing maintenance tasks, and fulfilling various domestic duties. The nature of their work could often be physically demanding and time-consuming.
4. Lack of Autonomy: Serfs had little control over their own lives. Their labor, place of residence, and personal relationships were often dictated by their lord's authority. They could not freely move or make major life decisions without permission, which limited their personal freedom and opportunities for social advancement.
5. Social Injustice: Serfs were at the bottom of the feudal hierarchy and faced significant social stigma. They were often treated as inferior by the noble and clerical classes, who held positions of power and privilege. This social discrimination added to the hardships faced by serfs and perpetuated the cycle of poverty and powerlessness.
Overall, the feudal system created an environment of economic exploitation, legal vulnerability, labor servitude, and social inequality, making life difficult and oppressive for serfs. Their existence revolved around fulfilling the obligations imposed by their lords, leaving little room for individual liberty, prosperity, or social mobility.