Wihtlæg facts for kids

Wihtlæg, also known by names like Whitlæg or Wiglek, was a legendary king from ancient times. People believed he ruled either Denmark or a region called Angeln. He is a famous figure in old Germanic stories and legends.

In the old Anglo-Saxon royal genealogies, Wihtlæg is described as a descendant of Woden, a very important god in Norse mythology. These old family trees show that Wihtlæg was the father of Wermund, who then became the father of Offa of Angel. According to an old English poem called Widsith, Offa ruled over the continental Angles.

Wiglek and the Danish Kings

The 12th-century book Gesta Danorum tells more about Wiglek. It says that after the Danish king Rorik Slyngebond died, Wiglek became the new king.

Wiglek had some disagreements with Amleth, who was a ruler in Jutland. Amleth tried to make peace by offering Wiglek many treasures. However, Wiglek decided to challenge Amleth to a war. He gathered his army from Zealand and Scania. In the battle that followed, Amleth was defeated and died. Amleth's wife, Hermutrude, then joined Wiglek's household.

Wiglek later died from an illness. His son, Wermund, became king after him. Wermund was the father of Uffo, also known as Offa.