Västgötalagen
The Västgötalagen emerged in the early 13th century as a written code for the provinces of Västergötland and Dalsland. Eskil Magnusson likely instigated its creation during this period. The earliest complete text dates to 1281, though small fragments from an older version exist around 1250. This legal document stands as the oldest Swedish text written in Latin script. It served as the primary law for these regions throughout the latter half of that century. Scania held an older law, but it remained Danish until the late 17th century.
Two distinct versions of the law survive today known as the Elder and Younger Westrogothic laws. A first modern printing appeared in 1827 through the work of William Robins and Carl Johan Schlyter. This edition created the earliest known stemma for the text. A new edition followed later in 1976 by Collin. The oldest manuscript contains other material added by a priest named Laurentius in Vedum around 1325. These additions include notes on the border between Sweden and Denmark. They also list bishops in Skara and lawspeakers in Västergötland. The king list begins with Olof Skötkonung and ends with Johan Sverkersson.
The Older Västgöta Law divided its content into sections called balkar and then flockar. Rubrics in the Codex Holmiensis B 59 indicate specific titles for each section. One rubric appears clearly miswritten within the manuscript itself. Topics range from church rights to inheritance laws. Specific headings cover manslaughter, wounds, fights, and non-compensable crimes. Other sections address land issues and how mills should be built. Thieves and illegal appropriation form another major category. Jester's rights appear as a unique heading near the end of the legal code. Some headings relate to antiquarian interests rather than strict law.
Swedish men enlisted in the Byzantine Varangian Guard in such numbers that the law changed. A specific clause declared no one could inherit while staying in Greece. This term referred to the Byzantine Empire at the time. The goal was to stop emigration by removing inheritance rights. Two other European courts recruited Scandinavians simultaneously during this era. Kievan Rus' operated between 980 and 1060. London recruited troops known as the Þingalið from 1018 to 1066. The law sought to counter these external draws on Swedish manpower.
Carl Johan Schlyter published the first modern printing of the text in 1827 alongside William Robins. Their work made the Västgötalagen the subject of the earliest known stemma. Subsequent scholarly editions followed, including a new version in 1976. The University of Lund hosts an edition based on Collin and Schlyter. Small fragments dated to 1250 exist alongside the complete 1281 text. These documents remain vital for understanding medieval Scandinavian legal history. Scholars continue to study the variations between the Elder and Younger versions today.
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Common questions
When was the Västgötalagen created and what is its historical significance?
The Västgötalagen emerged in the early 13th century as a written code for the provinces of Västergötland and Dalsland. This legal document stands as the oldest Swedish text written in Latin script.
Who instigated the creation of the Västgötalagen during the 13th century?
Eskil Magnusson likely instigated the creation of the Västgötalagen during this period. The earliest complete text dates to 1281, though small fragments from an older version exist around 1250.
What are the two distinct versions of the Västgötalagen that survive today?
Two distinct versions of the law survive today known as the Elder and Younger Westrogothic laws. Scholars continue to study the variations between these versions to understand medieval Scandinavian legal history.
Why did the Västgötalagen include clauses about inheritance rights regarding Greece?
Swedish men enlisted in the Byzantine Varangian Guard in such numbers that the law changed to stop emigration by removing inheritance rights. A specific clause declared no one could inherit while staying in Greece because the term referred to the Byzantine Empire at the time.
When was the first modern printing of the Västgötalagen published and who produced it?
A first modern printing appeared in 1827 through the work of William Robins and Carl Johan Schlyter. Their edition created the earliest known stemma for the text and made the Västgötalagen a subject of scholarly study.