Ostergotland, Sweden
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Östergötland is one of the traditional provinces of Sweden (landskap in Swedish) in the south of Sweden. It borders Småland, Västergötland, Närke, Södermanland and the Baltic Sea. In older English literature, the Latinized version Ostrogothia is also used. The corresponding administrative county, Östergötland County, covers the entire province and parts of neighbouring provinces. The earliest mention of Östergötland (the Ostrogoths of Scandza) appears in the Getica by the Goth scholar Jordanes. The province has about 50,000 ancient remains of different kinds. Some 1,749 are, for instance, grave fields. |
Typical Östgöta plains
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The traditions of Östergötland date back into the Viking Age, the undocumented Iron Age, and earlier, when this region had its own laws and kings (see Geatish kings and Wulfings). It is said that the famous Viking warrior Beowulf may likely have been from what is now the Östergötland region. The region kept its own laws, the Östgötalagen, into the Middle Ages. Östergötland belonged to the Christian heartland of the late Iron Age and early medieval Sweden. The Sverker and Bjälbo dynasties played pivotal roles in the consolidation of Sweden.
Since the 13th century, Swedish princes and princesses in some dynasties have been created dukes and duchesses of various provinces. Since 1772, these are only honorary titles. There have been several Dukes and Duchesses of Östergötland. The current duchess is Princess Estelle since her birth in 2012. Local lore from Lake Sommen in southern Östergötland tells that a mythical cow called Urkon or Sommakoa will kill any crowned king that visits the district of Ydre. Reportedly Urkon already killed legendary king Frode. As Frode was passing through Ydre, Urkon escaped and persecuted him, when he thought to have left Ydre and thus being safe the cow slayed him.
Since the 13th century, Swedish princes and princesses in some dynasties have been created dukes and duchesses of various provinces. Since 1772, these are only honorary titles. There have been several Dukes and Duchesses of Östergötland. The current duchess is Princess Estelle since her birth in 2012. Local lore from Lake Sommen in southern Östergötland tells that a mythical cow called Urkon or Sommakoa will kill any crowned king that visits the district of Ydre. Reportedly Urkon already killed legendary king Frode. As Frode was passing through Ydre, Urkon escaped and persecuted him, when he thought to have left Ydre and thus being safe the cow slayed him.
