Gutalagen

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Gutalagen (or Guta lag; "The law of the Gotlanders") is the earliest preserved law book for Gotland. The laws were likely first written down around 1220 CE but there is evidence for the laws being older than this, with some aspects likely being pre-Christian. 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. It typically assigns fines as punishments, with amounts varying depending on the wealth and slave-status of those involved. Guta saga is included as an appendix to the laws in manuscripts such as the Old Gutnish Holm B 64. As the extant body of Old Gutnish is limited, Gutalagen forms a significant part of it, making it of high linguistic importance.