Kunigaikštis Vaidotas Kęstutaitis
The Duke Vaidotas Kęstutaitis

Summary/Abstract: The biographical data about the duke Vaidotas Kęstutaitis is rather scarce, thus the historiography is a richer source of information. The available records create a complex narrative; some of the activities attributed to the duke are not directly related to Vaidotas Kęstutaitis. The records can be grouped into two types: facts based on the trustworthy sources, and hypothetical claims, which cannot be confirmed. During the defence of the Kaunas castle, Vaidotas was already mature enough to act as a leader. However, after the defeat, he was captured by enemy. Following his rescue from the Order, Vaidotas could have been given the duchy of Naugardukas in 1365, where he lived until his death. The duke should not be identified with Butautas Kęstutaitis. Also, duke Jurgis was not the son of Vaidotas. There is a large possibility that Vaidotas Kęstutaitis received Kaunas duchy from Algirdas while Kęstutis was in captivity. It is also possible that when captured by enemy, Vaidotas was not taken to Prussia. The duke might have died before the conflict of Kęstutis and Jogaila in one of the battles (for example, the battle of Rūdava in 1370). Most likely, Vaidotas did not have any offspring.

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