This is a legendary site in Hylte, Rataryd in Ljungby, Småland.
The site is connected to the story of a Danish captain who was killed here during a time of unrest in the region. According to the legend, he was executed by his own men after disobeying orders or returning too late to his post.
A cross was later raised at the location as a memorial. It became a marker of the event and a reminder of the troubled times.
It is said that the cross must be maintained. If it is neglected, misfortune may affect the surrounding area. In this way, the place has remained significant long after the original event.
The story shows how a historical event became tied to a specific place and lived on as part of the landscape’s storytelling tradition.
Visiting this place is part of a journey through the Land of Legends in Småland (Ljungby, Alvesta and Älmhult). Stories are present throughout the landscape, about oknytt, lortaty and other supernatural beings, as well as about real people and their lives.
Travelling through this landscape takes visitors through scenic environments and lesser‑known places, offering insight into how people once lived and interpreted their world. The stories are tied to real locations and passed down through generations.
The work with the Land of Legends is internationally recognised through UNESCO.
The Museum of Legends in Ljungby gathers these stories and presents them through exhibitions and storytelling.
The site is located close to the road and is easy to access. It is often used as a short stop, where the cross clearly marks the place of the event. It can be included as part of a route with several nearby historical and legendary sites.
