avrettende

Avrettende is a Swedish term that translates to "executioner" or "hangman" in English. Historically, this individual was responsible for carrying out capital punishment, a practice that has since been abolished in Sweden. The role of the avrettende was a somber and often feared one, as they were the instrument of the state's ultimate justice. Their duties were strictly defined by law, and they operated under the authority of the judicial system. The methods of execution varied over time and by crime, but the avrettende was the one who performed the deed.

The profession of avrettende was passed down through families in some instances, and the individuals often faced social stigma and isolation due to the nature of their work. They were typically compensated for their services, but their lives were far from easy. The last known avrettende in Sweden was officially employed in the early 20th century, though capital punishment itself was abolished in 1973. The historical figure of the avrettende represents a dark but important aspect of Swedish legal and social history, reflecting the societal attitudes towards crime and punishment in past centuries. The term itself evokes a sense of finality and the grim reality of state-sanctioned death.