Västgötalagen

Västgötalagen, meaning "Law of the Geats of West Götaland," is the oldest of the Swedish provincial laws, dating from the late 13th century. It is written in Old West Gothic, a dialect of Old Swedish. The law was in effect for the region of Västergötland, a historical province in southern Sweden.

The text exists in two main manuscript versions. The earliest, known as the "Elder Västgötalagen," is believed to have been compiled around 1250, with a later version dating to around 1350. This law code provides valuable insights into the legal, social, and economic conditions of medieval Sweden. It covers a range of topics including criminal law, property rights, inheritance, and the election of kings.

A significant part of Västgötalagen is the "King's Election Law" (Konungsbalk), which outlines the traditional customs for electing a king in Sweden. It specifies that the election should take place at the Stones of Mora and that the king must be accepted by the five provinces of Sweden. The law also includes provisions for the king's duties and the rights of the people.

Västgötalagen is a crucial source for understanding the development of Swedish law and governance. Its preservation allows scholars to study medieval legal practices and the evolution of Swedish society. The language and content reflect the unique cultural and historical identity of the Geats of West Götaland.