Arn

The place where I am buying a house is of historic importance in Sweden. Sorry to Swedish friends if I mangle your history and legends in this post. Corrections to follow.

Visingso is an island in the middle of lake Vättern, and it is on that island that the state of Sweden was founded in the 12th century. To the west and south the land was held by the Danes. Wester Gotlandish Swedish kings reigned and died always under threat from the Danes. They had to fight for their land. It was from Visingso that a united Swedish army finally drove the Danes back and from then on held the north.

The story of Arn is of a local boy who becomes a Templar Knight in the first crusade to free Jerusalem from Sal al Din. He protects the merchants and Bedouins. Before Jerusalem falls he returns to Visingso to marry his long lost sweet heart ,who had his son twenty years before. Six years later he leads the Swedes against the Danes. Is Arn a legend, history, or modern fiction? I am not sure I need to know. Which ever I am a mug for a good story and they come no better than Arn. Which ever, the story of Arn provides a romantic connection to Vättern and Visingso, where I choose to spend my summers at least, and join the community.

I came looking for Torfin in Norway, and overshot! Too late. Vättern has my heart.