härader

Härader were administrative districts in medieval Sweden. The term is Old Norse and generally translated as "hundred." These units were fundamental to the organization of early Swedish society, serving judicial, military, and fiscal purposes. A härad typically encompassed a number of villages and farms, and its boundaries were often based on natural features or historical settlements.

The primary function of a härad was its local court, known as a häradssting or simply sting. This assembly, held regularly at a designated place within the härad, was where local disputes were settled, laws were proclaimed, and justice was administered. Freemen within the härad had the right and obligation to attend and participate in these proceedings.

Militarily, the härad formed a basis for the leidang, the Swedish naval levy. Men from each härad were responsible for providing ships, crews, and provisions for the king's fleet. This system was crucial for national defense and for projecting power.

Economically, härader were also involved in taxation and the collection of dues owed to the crown or local chieftains. The land within a härad was often divided into tax units, contributing to the resources of the state. The administrative and judicial structure of the härader persisted for centuries, evolving and being gradually replaced by more modern governmental structures, particularly from the 17th century onwards. While the härad as a living administrative entity is gone, the term and its historical significance remain important for understanding Swedish history and legal traditions.