Normandy (Fr. Normandie) is a region of North West France, given by the French King in the 9th Century to a group of Viking Raiders to settle in. It takes its name from these settlers ("Norse Men" -> "Norman" -> Normandy). Although technically a vassal state of France, by the 11th Century it was in all purposes a powerful state, with the Duke of Normandy being a respected statesman. William and his heirs, however, still held French land and therefore owned fealty to the French King. This would cause endless problems in the years to come... File:William1 7102.jpg And waited.