The First Russian Interpreters in Early Modern Sweden

The article reconstructs lives of several Russian-language interpreters acting in Sweden during the reign Gustav I Vasa (1523–1560) on basis Swedish and Russian archival sources. socio-professional group (ryssetolkar) has been well known since late 16th century, its best times (mainly 17th century) are thoroughly studied by Finnish historian Kari Tarkiainen. authors suggest that origins this should be sought 1530s — early 1540s, Hanseatic environment might have played a part process at earliest stage because first to us names, Albrecht Tolck Larens van Värnen, seem German origin, although we know very little them. Three other ryssetolkar Michel Andersson, Hans Larsson Skalm, especially Bertil Jöransson (Jörensson, Göransson) ar somewhat better known. conclude close connections Finland, castle Viborg (Fin. Viipuri, Rus. Vyborg), were typical members initial phase already. In addition, sources period question show prospective could go Russia study they sometimes bound family ties. two latter features not so prominent half but would become community later on.