Daugirutis

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Daugirutis or Dangerutis (Dangeruthe or Daugeruthe) was an early Lithuanian duke who committed suicide in 1213. He is the second (after Žvelgaitis) Lithuanian duke whose name is known from reliable sources. Chronicle of Henry of Livonia tells about his life and deeds. Even though no other sources mention his name, he is considered to be one of the most influential pre-Mindaugas Lithuanian noble.

Daugirutis attacked Latvian and Estonian lands many times. His domain or lands he ruled are unknown. His daughter was married to Visvaldis, Duke of Jersika (in the present-day Preiļi District). This marriage protected Visvaldis from attacks of Lithuanians, but he had to provide food and shelter for the troops of Daugirutis on their expeditions to plunder the Estonian or Russian lands.

In 1213 Daugirdutis traveled to Velikiy Novgorod to sign a peace treaty with Mstislav. The chronicles of Novgorod do not mention the treaty. While the purpose of the agreement is not explicitly mentioned, historians assume it was directed against the Livonian Order. On his way back Daugirutis was attacked and captured by the Livonian Order. He was imprisoned in the Cesis Castle and a large ransom was requested for his release. When his friends arrived to discuss the terms of release, but did not bring enough money for the ransom, Daugirutis killed himself.

That Dangerutis was a powerful man is evidenced by his agreement with Novgorod. If Dangerutis was weak or ruled only small territories there would be no point for Novgorod in negotiating with a petty noble. The Lithuanian raids to Livonia and other lands decreased greatly in number after Dangerutis and Steksys deaths. This is considered a period of decline in the unification of the Baltic tribes into the Grand Duchy of Lithuania.

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  1. (Lithuanian) Jonynas, Ignas (1937). "Daugirutis". Lietuviškoji enciklopedija VI. Ed. Vaclovas Biržiška. Kaunas: Spaudos Fondas. 108. 
  2. Kiaupa, Zigmantas; Jūratė Kiaupienė, Albinas Kunevičius [1995] (2000). The History of Lithuania Before 1795, English, Vilnius: Lithuanian Institute of History, 50-51. ISBN 9986-810-13-2.