Jaakko Ilkka

Jaakko Ilkka was originally a wealthy peasant and rural merchant. Later after becoming discontent with paying taxes to the Swedes, lead an uprising in South Ostrobothnia. His first smaller uprising left him in the castle of Turku under arrest. He escaped just in time to lead a bigger uprising against the Swedish Lord and Riksråd, Klaus Fleming. This conflict is often referred to as the Cudgel War. Ilkkas participation in the war remains a mystery since he benefitted from the Swedish taxes. Some historians suggest his morals speaking to him, others link him with helping his clients, poor peasants. When he arrived the Cudgel War had already fired, and he was selected to be the leader of forces, since he was the only person with some war experience which was earned during the Russo-Swedish War of 1590-1595.