Gutalagen

They were practically in use until 1645 despite control of Gotland changing hands several times throughout this period between Sweden, Denmark and the Teutonic Order.

The laws cover a broad range of topics, including banning Old Nordic religion and enforcing adherence to Christianity, along with describing fines for different levels of assault and conditions by which domesticated animals can be returned to their sellers.

As the extant body of Old Gutnish is limited, Gutalagen forms a significant part of it, making it of high linguistic importance.

After Valdemar IV's invasion in 1361, Denmark was substituted for Sweden in legal terms and Gotland's traditional independence was maintained.

[5] The earliest preserved provincial laws of the kingdom of Sweden date to after its Christianisation, however parts likely had origins while the traditional religion was still dominant.

[2] It has been suggested that the first ‘‘Gutalagen’’ manuscript was written at the instigation of Archbishop Andreas Suneson of Lund, based on his visit to the island in 1207.

[10] Holm B 64 is notable, being the oldest surviving manuscript written in Old Gutnish and as it shows less external linguistic influence than AM 54, 4to.

It also doesn't reference Sweden at all, although it has been argued that inhabitants of Gotland that weren't Gotlanders (ogutniskt fulk) were likely Swedish [14] There is also no mention of trade or maritime law [15] The laws begin by stating that the community should reject heathendom, accept Christianity and believe in one almighty God.

[16] This section closely resembles that in the Norwegian older law of Gulaþing, with both saying that we should pray for good harvest and peace (ar oc friþ in Gutalagen).

[19] It also makes the Old Nordic religion illegal, including forbidding practices such as the performing of blót, and praying to, or at, groves, howes, heathen gods, vé and stafgarþar.

[24] This has been compared to the Old English frið-geardas, fenced off areas containing a stone, tree or spring which were made illegal in Norðhymbra preosta lagu.

[29] Furthermore, Guta saga paraphrases ‘‘Gutalagen’’, describing how the heathen Gotlanders used to follow the same customs that the law code lists as punishable offences.

These included excommunication, outlawry, slavery, branding and hanging, and were given in cases such as theft, adultery and misuse of property.