The Danish Monarchy 1080-1095

Canute the Holy was a king true to his Viking heritage. He planned raids and had ambitions to gain back the Scandinavian empire his great uncle Canute the Great once build.

Canute the Holy (King of Denmark 1080-1086)

Before he became king, Canute the Holy took part in several attacks against England’s king William the Conqueror, who attack after attack successfully held the Danes at bay.

As much of a Viking as Canute was, he was just as much a churchman, who showed great compassion for the weak in society by caring for orphans and widows.

But not everybody cared for Canute and the way he ruled his country. Trying to enforce royal power and claiming common land in particular, met resistance from the Danish people.

In 1086 Canute was once again planning a great raid on England in another attempt to conquer the English throne. It was said that he had over a 1000 ships lined up to sail to England.

The raid however, never happened as angry peasants rebelled against Canute and followed him to St Albany’s church in the Danish town Odense, where Canute and his men has sought refuge. The sanctity of the church didn’t stop the rebellions, who stormed the church and killed Canute and his men.

The remains of Canute were buried in the tombs under St. Albany’s church.

Long after his death Canute was sanctified.

Oluf Hunger (1086-1095)

Oluf Hunger was the third of Sweyn Estridsen’s sons, who became king of Denmark. Canute, who doubted his brothers his loyalty, during the rebellious year, had imprisoned Oluf and sent him away. But after Canute’s brutal death Oluf, who had indeed been a supporter of the uproar against his brother, was brought back to Denmark and crowned King.

The name Hunger was given to Oluf a because of the hardship that hit Denmark during his reign. For several years the farmer’s crop failed due to drought in the spring and summer, and flooding in the fall. The Danish people were hit hard with starvation and death among especially the poor. Many supporters of Canute the Holy believed it was a punishment sent from God placed upon those responsible for Canute’s death.

Oluf the Holy died under mysterious circumstances in 1095.

Speculations have made and there are several theories on how Oluf died. Some claim it was suicide because he simply couldn’t face being blamed for the state the country was in. Others think he was sacrificed or sacrificed himself in an effort to change the luck of the Danes. Finally since his burial site, as the only Danish king, is unknown, it is said that his body was divided between the regions of Denmark to try to right the wrongs done to his brother Canute.

For more on the Danish Monarchy read: The Danish Monarchy-The Beginning

Sources:

www.heimskringla.no

www.kongehuset.dk

www.kongernesjelling.dk

www.wikingworld.dk

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