CHAPTER XXII. 



Bohus-L'iin. — Classical Ground. — The Vikingar. — Their Exphnts.— The 

 Dyr-hus. — The Bauta-steii. — The Domare-Riiig. — Hiilhistuingar. — 

 Their Antiquity. — Historical Documents. — The Elf-Gryta. 



BOIIUS-LAN, the government in which the town of 

 Gothenburg is situated, is perhaps the most classic 

 portion of Scandinavia. Formerly, and prior to its 

 forming an integral part of Sweden, it })crtained to 

 Norway or Denmark, and is remarkable in history as 

 having been the scene of many bloody battles between 

 the monarchs of these several countries, who all in turn 

 contended for its sovereignity ; as also for having been the 

 8lamhull, i. e. head-quarters, of the Tlkingar, or sea-kings, 

 who a thousand or twelve hundred years ago made them- 

 selves so famous by their marauding expeditions. From 

 hence and the adjoining islands, indeed, issued many of 

 those formidable armaments which carried fire and sword 

 to almost every known country in the world. To the 

 antiquary, more especially, this province cannot but be 

 deeply interesting. Ancient feudal castles, the abodes of 

 these desperadoes, no longer exist, it is true, and even 

 the ruins of the structures, which lie far between, are so 



