In modern
Swedish,
Folkung has two meanings, which appear to be opposites:
- The medieval "House of Bjelbo" in Sweden, which produced several Swedish statesmen and kings.
- A group of people (singular Folkunge, plural Folkungar), who were at times in political opposition to the same House of Bjelbo. This "political party" fought for the ancient right of free men to elect the kings in Sweden.