Ket and Wig facts for kids
Ket and Wig are two brothers from old stories, known for their bravery and for avenging their father. They appear in ancient writings like the Gesta Danorum, which is a very old history book about the Danes, and the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle, another important historical record from England. These stories tell us about their adventures and their place in early European history.
Who Were Ket and Wig?
Ket and Wig were the sons of a man named Frowin. Frowin was a governor, which means he was an important leader in charge of a region called Schleswig. This area is now part of modern-day Germany. In some old English records, Ket's brother Wig is also mentioned as the father of Gewis. Gewis was a legendary ancestor of the kings of Wessex, an important kingdom in early England. This suggests that Wig was seen as a significant figure in the family trees of powerful rulers.
Their Family and Home
Their father, Frowin, was a respected leader in Schleswig. The stories about Ket and Wig are set in a time when different kingdoms and tribes often fought. Family honor and loyalty were very important. After Frowin's death, Ket and Wig were cared for by King Wermund. King Wermund had a strong liking for their father and treated the boys like his own sons. This shows how important alliances and personal relationships were among leaders back then.
The Story of Revenge
The main part of Ket and Wig's story involves a tragic event. Their father, Frowin, was challenged to a fight by Athisl, who was the king of Sweden. Sadly, Frowin was killed in this combat. This made Ket and Wig determined to avenge their father, meaning they wanted to get justice for his death. They fought against King Athisl, but they did so together, two against one.
A Question of Honor
In those times, fighting two against one was not seen as honorable. It was considered a "national disgrace" because it wasn't a fair fight. However, this act was later balanced by another hero, Offa. Offa was King Wermund's son and Ket and Wig's brother-in-law. Offa bravely fought two Saxons at the same time in a "single combat" and won. This amazing feat helped to restore the honor of their family and kingdom. This event is even mentioned in an old poem called Widsith, which tells tales of heroes and kings.
