Danegeld was a tax historically levied in England to pay off Viking invaders, particularly during the late 9th and early 10th centuries. The term translates to "Danish money," reflecting its origins in the need to appease the Danish raiders who threatened English settlements. The practice began under King Æthelred the Unready, who sought to avoid conflict by offering payments to the Vikings. However, paying Danegeld often led to more demands for money, as it did not guarantee lasting peace and sometimes encouraged further invasions instead of deterring them.