Fettets

Fettets are a type of Swedish medieval chess piece, specifically a type of knight piece. They are often mentioned in historical records and depicted in medieval art, including Viking Age and Middle Ages artifacts. The word "fettets" is Swedish for "feet" or "knight on foot," suggesting a connection to a knight's ability to move in a wide range.

Historical accounts suggest that fettets were introduced to Sweden from Denmark, influencing Swedish and Norwegian chess styles. In medieval Sweden, chess was played on a board with unevenly sized squares, and pieces were made from wood or metal. Fettets were likely made from similar materials and exhibited distinct features, such as a horse's head or other decorative elements.

Fettets' movements on a medieval board likely differed from modern chess knights, as rules for piece movement varied. Historical evidence indicates that pieces moved in L-shapes or other non-standard patterns. The exact rules remain unclear, as most accounts are descriptive and lack specifics.

The introduction of fettets also influenced the development of other chess pieces. Over time, the Swedish knight, known as a "svärd," became standard, and fettets were largely forgotten. Interest in medieval chess has sparked renewed research into fettets, offering insights into the evolution of chess and cultural exchange during the Middle Ages. Restoration and analysis of historical fettets have provided valuable information about medieval Swedish crafts and ingenuity.