Friedrich Kettler

Friedrich Kettler
Duke of Courland and Semigallia
Reign17 May 1587– 17 August 1642
PredecessorGotthard Kettler
SuccessorJacob Kettler
Born25 November 1569
Mitau, Duchy of Courland and Semigallia
Died17 August 1642(1642-08-17) (aged 72)
Mitau, Duchy of Courland and Semigallia
Burial
Ducal crypt in the Schloss Mitau
SpouseElisabeth Magdalena of Pomerania
HouseKettler
FatherGotthard Kettler
MotherAnna of Mecklenburg
ReligionLutheran

Friedrich Kettler (Latvian: Frīdrihs Ketlers; 25 November 1569 – 17 August 1642) was Duke of Courland and Semigallia from 1587 to 1642.

He was the son of Gotthard Kettler, the first Duke of Courland. Until 1617, he ruled only the eastern Zemgale (Semigallia) portion of the duchy, while his younger brother, Wilhelm Kettler, ruled the western Courland portion. Friedrich ruled the entire duchy from 1617 onward, after his brother emigrated due to conflicts with the nobility.