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Coat of arms of Folkung family

In modern Swedish, Folkung (from folk kung, "people's king") has two meanings, which appear to be opposites:

1. The medieval House of Bjelbo in Sweden, which produced several Swedish statesmen and kings.^[1]
2. The political opponents (singular Folkunge, plural Folkungar) of the same House of Bjelbo. This "political party" fought for the ancient right of free men to elect the kings in Sweden.^[2][3]

The terms are so confusing that the meanings can be explained only through insight into the medieval history of Sweden.

Until the 15th century, Folkunge was used only with the second meaning. However, many of these political opponents were also said to have been descendants of Jarl Folke the Fat (from the House of Bjelbo!), who lived before the family became royal. Hence, in the 15th century, the whole family, then already extinct, became known as the House of Folkung (Folkungaätten in Swedish).

Later research, though, showed that the political Folkungs were not just descendants of Jarl Folke—instead, they belonged to different Swedish noble families, united by the ambition to fight against a central ruler of Sweden. According to one theory, Folkungs wanted to keep the old "freedom" of the petty kingdoms, including the election of kings, and to retain local power in their own control.^[3] Many Folkungs came from the ancient provinces of Svealand, opposing the ruling families of the time that were mostly from Götaland. The first Folkung uprising in 1229 was successful, elevating Canute II on the throne. Later developments were less promising, and the centralized system eventually suppressed their resistance.

There is still a lot of research to be done, and all the questions are not answered. For now, the term Folkung or Folkunge can be used of the House of Bjelbo and of their political enemies as well.

• Magnus I of Sweden
• Unification of Sweden
• History of Sweden

• Kari, Risto (2004), Suomalaisten keskiaika, WSOY, ISBN 951-0-28321-5