When Erik Lamb stepped of the Danish throne to join a convict a new rivalry started in the fight for the crown.
The three opponents in the feud to claim the throne were: Sweyn III, a son of Erik Emune, Canute V, son of King Niels’ son Magnus and Valdemar I, son of Erik Ejegod’s son Canute Lavard.
Swyen III, Canute V and Valdemar I (Kings of Denmark 1146-1157)
At first it seemed like a reasonable solution to divide the country of Denmark between the heirs to make everybody happy and avoid conflict.
Sweyn was given the eastern part of Denmark, while Canute was granted the western part. Valdemar was not at first given the title of king but was a supporter of Sweyn.
This coalition didn’t last long though as Valdemar became engaged to Canute’s beautiful half-sister Sophie and switched his support from Sweyn to Canute.
In 1157 a settlement gathering to agree on the division of the country between the three, was held in Roskilde. But the gathering turned into a bloodbath as Sweyn saw the opportunity to get rid of his two opponents. Sweyn halfway succeeded in his rebellion as Canute was killed. Valdemar however, managed to escape back to Jutland where he gathered a peasant army against Sweyn.
Sweyn followed Valdemar to Jutland where fights broke loose between the two kings and Sweyn was killed by a peasant from Valdemar’s army.
As the only survivor of the three kings Valdemar could now call himself the sole king of Denmark.
Valdemar the Great (King of Denmark 1157-1182)
Valdemar was born just seven days after the brutal murder of his father Canute Lavard. He was raised in the court of the Danish nobleman Asser Rig alongside Asser’s sons, Absalon and Esben Snarre.
He was only 16-year-old when he was elected by-king next to Sweyn and Canute and 26-years-old when he became sole ruler of the country.
Valdemar had his work cut out for him as the country he took over, was divided from years of feuds over who was the rightful king of Denmark.
He was described as tall and handsome but was also known to be childish and hot-tempered like his Viking ancestors and without support from his childhood friends, Absalon and Esben Snare, whom Valdemar made ministers, it is doubtful Valdemar would have succeeded in become a successful king.
Absalon, who was also made bishop, especially is told to have had great influence on King Valdemars decisions.
Valdemar secured his family’s right to the Danish throne in 1170 when he had his son Canute crowned as by-king.
For more on the history of the Danish monarchy read: The Danish Monarchy - The Beginning and The Danish Monarchy 1182-1202, King Canute VI
Sources:
www.kingsofdenmark.dk
www.kongehuset.dk
www.kongernesjelling.dk
www.heimskringla.no
