Gutasagan
This article offers an intriguing glimpse into the story of Gotland's creation and the first settlers of the island. While the content of Gutasagan is largely mythological, the saga itself is a real historical document. Whether fact or fiction, the story is undeniably captivating.
What is Gutasagan?
Gutasagan is part of Gutalagen and is written in the Gutnish language. It blends both historical facts and fiction, serving as both a legal document and an epic. The narrative focuses on the island’s discoverer, Tjelvar, and his family.
As the final section of Gutalagen—a legal code from the 13th century—Gutasagan isn't always classified as a provincial law because, at the time of its writing, Gotland was its own independent land.
Formerly known as the Chronicle of the Gotlanders, Gutasagan serves as a constitutional document. It consists of two distinct parts: one grounded in fact, the other a mythic tale.
The most significant part of the saga discusses Gotland’s legal position in relation to Sweden, detailing treaties with the Swedish king and the building of churches. It also describes Gotland's ecclesiastical affiliation with the Diocese of Linköping.
The second section is an epic that tells the story of the earliest settlers on Gotland. It concludes with recorded agreements between the Gotlanders, the king, and the bishop.
Purpose of Gutasagan
Gutasagan was written to document the agreements the Gotlanders made with the king and the bishop. It is often compared to a declaration of independence, as it depicts the Gotlanders' voluntary association with the Swedish kingdom, rather than a subjugation. It highlights the mutual respect and cooperation between Gotland and the Swedish crown.
Who Features in Gutasagan?
The most famous figure in Gutasagan is Tjelvar. However, the epic also features his son, Havde, and Havde's wife, Vitastjerna. Additionally, Tjelvar’s three grandchildren—Gute, Graip, and Gunnfjaun—are key characters.
Who Was Tjelvar?
Tjelvar is credited as the first person to set foot on Gotland. He lived at a place called Tjelder. According to the saga, before Tjelvar’s arrival, the island sank into the sea during the day and rose again at night. When Tjelvar lit a fire, the island stayed above water permanently.
There is speculation that Tjelvar might be the same figure as Tjalve, the servant of Thor, who is also associated with fire. Throughout history, people have made fires when arriving on new shores. During the Viking Age, it was customary that no man could claim more land than he could burn in a day.
Who Was Havde?
Havde, Tjelvar’s son, was the first to settle on Gotland with his wife, Vitastjerna. Together, they had three sons: Gute, Graip, and Gunnfjaun.
Who Was Vitastjerna?
Vitastjerna, Havde’s wife, is an enigmatic figure. Her name could refer to her pale, beautiful face, her white hair, or even mean “the wisest of daughters,” possibly alluding to Odin.
On her first night on Gotland, Vitastjerna dreamed of three serpents emerging from her chest. Havde interpreted this as a sign that she would bear three sons, which she did. He also predicted that their sons would one day rule over Gotland.
Who Were Gute, Graip, and Gunnfjaun?
Gute, Graip, and Gunnfjaun were the three sons of Havde and Vitastjerna. As foretold in Vitastjerna’s dream, these brothers divided Gotland among themselves after their father’s death. Graip took the northern part, Gute the central, and Gunnfjaun the southern part.
Gute was chosen as the chief of Gotland, and the island was named Gutaland after him. Its people became known as "Gutar." The division of Gotland into three parts still exists today, a legacy explained by this saga.
What is Tjelvar’s Grave?
Tjelvar's grave is an 18-meter-long, 5-meter-wide stone ship setting. To visit the grave, you follow a rugged gravel road south of Slite on Gotland. Tjelvar is said to be buried in this well-preserved site, which dates back to the Late Bronze Age.
The ship setting, one of about 300 on Gotland, consists of closely placed stones resembling a ship’s hull, with stones diminishing in height toward the center. In 1938, an archaeological examination of the grave revealed a looted stone cist containing a cremated skeleton and pottery fragments.