In modern Swedish, Folkung has two meanings, which appear to be opposites:

1. The noble (royal) clan of Folkungar, named Folkungaätten (ätt means clan), who in effect introduced inheritance of the throne during the 12th century. Modern historians refer to this family as Bjälboätten, referring to their origin from the village of Bjälbo, in Östergötland (Ostrogothia).
2. The political opponents of the dynasty of Folkungaätten (singular Folkunge, plural Folkungar). This "party" fought for the ancient right to elect kings in Svearike.

The terms are so confusing that the meanings can be explained only through insight into Swedish medieval history and medieval sources.

Until the 15th century, Folkunge was used only with the second meaning. However, these political opponents were also sometimes said to be descendants of Duke (Jarl) Folke of the family of Bjälbo (Bjälboätten), who lived before the family became royal. Hence, in the 15th century, the whole family became known as Folkungaätten, as it still is.

Later research, though, showed that the political Folkungar were not entirely descendants of Duke Folke; instead, they belonged to different Swedish noble families, united by the ambition to fight against a central ruler of Sweden. They wanted to keep the old "freedom" for the small kingdoms, including the election of kings, and to retain power in their local control. Most came from the ancient provinces of Svealand, along the eastern coastline of what is now modern Sweden.

Because no medieval source names the royal family as Folkungar and because the term wasn't used in this sense until the 15th century, modern historians started to call this "party" the "true Folkungar" and the royal family the "false Folkungar," arguing that the royal family should more correctly be referred to as the family of Bjälbo.

There is still a lot of research to be done, and all the questions are not answered. Therefore, for now the term Folkung or Folkunge can mean the family of Folkunga, even though, according to the old medieval sources, it is the name for their political enemies.

See also:

• Magnus I of Sweden, ancestor of the royal Folkunga dynasty.
• Unification of Sweden
• History of Sweden