Who were the Oeselians and what region did they inhabit?
The Oeselians were historical inhabitants of the island of Ösel, known today as Saaremaa in Estonia. Written records from the 13th century referred to their land as Oeselia or Osilia.
Questions about Oeselians
Short answers, pulled from the story.
When did the Oeselians conduct naval raids on southern Sweden?
A fleet of sixteen ships carried five hundred Oeselians across the water to ravage southern Sweden during the late 12th century. Saxo Grammaticus recorded a specific battle on Öland in 1170 where Danish king Valdemar I mobilized his entire fleet against them.
What types of vessels did the Livonian Rhymed Chronicle identify for the Oeselians?
The Livonian Rhymed Chronicle identified two distinct vessel types used by the Oeselians: the piratica warship and the liburna merchant ship. A single piratica could carry approximately thirty men into battle with a high prow shaped like either a dragon or a snakehead.
Which god was named as superior by Henry of Livonia among the Oeselians?
Henry of Livonia named Tharapita as the superior god of the Oeselians. Legend stated he was born on a forested mountain in Virumaa on mainland Estonia before flying to Saaremaa according to the chronicle.
What phrase did captured Christian missionary Frederick of Zelle hear from Oeselian pagans?
Frederick of Zelle heard Oeselian pagans shout Laula! Laula! Pappi! which translates to Sing! Sing! Priest! This Finnic expression supports identification of the group as part of the Finnic language family at that time.
When did Danish king Valdemar II land on Saaremaa and what happened during the siege of 1222?
Danish king Valdemar II landed on Saaremaa in 1206 with Andreas, Bishop of Lund but their attempt to establish a stronghold failed immediately. A Danish fortress built in 1222 surrendered within five days after siege while Oeselians leveled the castle and killed all defenders including hostages left behind.