Torkel Knutsson (?–1306), was marshal and virtual ruler of Sweden during the early reign of King Birger Magnusson(1280-1321). Torkel hailed from an old noble family of Westrogothian ancestory and was related to the Royal Family. In 1293 he led the third Swedish crusade against Finland and conquered the province of Carelia, where he founded the town of Vyborg. During the struggles in Sweden between King Birger and his two younger brothers, the Dukes Erik and Valdemar, in the early years of the 14th century, Torkel sided with the King. Despite this, the King had his powerful marshal captured and beheaded in 1306.