läänitysherra

Läänitysherra is a Finnish term that translates to "fief holder" or "lord of the fief" in English. It refers to an individual who was granted land or rights by a higher authority, typically a monarch or a lord, in exchange for certain obligations, most commonly military service and loyalty. This system was prevalent in medieval Europe and also existed in Finland during periods of Swedish rule.

The concept of läänitysherra is rooted in the feudal system, where land ownership was conditional. The läänitysherra, or feoffee, received the usufruct of the land, meaning they could benefit from its produce and resources, but did not own it outright. This grant, known as a läänitys (fief), was a form of reward and a means for the sovereign to maintain military strength and administer vast territories without direct control over every parcel of land.

In return for the läänitys, the läänitysherra was obligated to provide military service, supplying troops or fighting themselves when called upon by their overlord. Other duties could include administering justice within their fief, collecting taxes, and maintaining order. The relationship was reciprocal; the overlord provided protection and legitimacy, while the läänitysherra provided military and administrative support. The läänitys was not necessarily hereditary, though it often became so in practice over time. This system played a significant role in the political and social structure of medieval Finland.