Eric I of Denmark

Eric I ( – 10 July 1103), also known as Eric the Good, was King of Denmark following his brother Olaf I Hunger in 1095. He was a son of Sweyn II. His mother's identity remains unknown. He married Boedil Thurgotsdatter. Biography Eric was born in the town of Slangerup in North Zealand - the largest Danish island. During the rule of his half-brother Canute IV he was an eager supporter of the king, but he was spared during the rebellion against Canute. Eric remained at the royal farm instead of accompanying Canute to St Albans priory in Odense, where Canute was killed. Eric talked his way off the farm and fled to Zealand and then to Scania, which was part of Denmark during that time. Olaf I Hunger was elected King of Denmark, but his reign was short. At last Eric was elected as a king at the several landsting assemblies in 1095. Eric was well liked by the people and the famines that had plagued Denmark during Olaf Hunger's reign ceased. For many it seemed a sign from God that Eric was the right king for Denmark. Medieval chroniclers, such as Saxo Grammaticus, and myths portrayed Eric a “strapping fellow” appealing to the common people. He could keep his place when four men tried their best to move him. Eric was a good speaker, and people went out of their way to hear him. After a ting assembly concluded, he went about the neighborhood greeting men, women and children at their homesteads. He had a reputation as a loud man who liked parties and who led a rather dissolute private life. Though a presumed supporter of a strong centralized royal power, he seems to have behaved like a diplomat, avoiding any clash with the magnates. He had a reputation for being ruthless to robbers and pirates.