Canute Lavard facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Saint Canute Lavard |
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Canute Lavard in a fresco in Vigersted Church near Ringsted
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| Martyr | |
| Born | 1096 Roskilde, Denmark |
| Died | 7 January 1131 forest of Haraldsted near Ringsted in Zealand, Denmark |
| Venerated in | Roman Catholic Church |
| Canonized | 1169 by Pope Alexander III |
| Feast | 7 January |
| Attributes | knight with a wreath, lance, and ciborium |
| Patronage | Zealand, Denmark |
Canute Lavard (Danish: Knud Lavard) was a Danish prince. He was born on March 12, 1096, and died on January 7, 1131. Canute was the first Duke of Schleswig. This made him a special border prince. He was a loyal subject, called a vassal, to both Denmark and the Holy Roman Empire. This unique position was important for the history of Southern Jutland.
Canute was killed by his cousin, Magnus the Strong. Magnus saw Canute as a rival for the Danish throne. Canute Lavard was later made a saint in 1170. He was an ancestor of many Danish kings, including his son, Valdemar I of Denmark, and his grandson, Valdemar II of Denmark.
Canute's Life Story
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Canute was the only legal son of King Eric I of Denmark. His father died in 1103. Because Canute was still young, he was not chosen as king in 1104. He grew up with the noble Hvide family. They later became some of his strongest supporters.
In 1115, Canute's uncle, King Niels of Denmark, gave him an important job. He put Canute in charge of the Duchy of Schleswig. This area was called jarl af Sønderjylland. Canute's task was to stop attacks from the Slavic Obotrites people.
For the next fifteen years, Canute did a great job. He brought peace to the border area. Because of his success, he was given the title of Duke of Holstein. He also became a vassal of the Holy Roman Empire. This meant he owed loyalty to the Emperor.
Canute was one of the first Danish royals to like the knightly ways of medieval Germany. He even changed his title to Duke of Schleswig. People liked him, and he seemed like a good choice to become king after his uncle.
However, Canute also made powerful enemies. Other Danish princes and important people worried about his loyalty. They were also afraid of his connection with Emperor Lothair III. The Emperor had recognized Canute as a ruler over the western Wends.
A Tragic End
Both King Niels and his son, Magnus the Strong, were worried about Canute. They feared his growing power and his ties to the Emperor.
On January 7, 1131, Canute was tricked. He was led into the Haraldsted Forest near Ringsted in Zealand. There, Magnus murdered him.
Canute Lavard was first buried at Ringsted Abbey. This was one of the first Benedictine monasteries in Denmark. In 1157, his remains were moved. They were placed in a new chapel at St. Bendt's Church in Ringsted.
During the Middle Ages, a chapel was built where Canute died. It was called Knut Lavards Kapel. But it disappeared after the Protestant Reformation. Its ruins were found again in 1883. In 1902, a 4-meter tall crucifix was put up near the spot where Canute died. This was a memorial to him.
After Canute's Death
Canute's death caused a civil war in Denmark. This war lasted on and off until 1157. It finally ended when Canute's son, Valdemar I of Denmark, won. Valdemar was born after his father's death.
Canute's story and his son's victory led to him being made a saint. This happened in 1170, because King Valdemar asked for it. Canute's special day, called his feast day, was first celebrated on January 7. This was the day he died.
Later, in the late 1600s, the end of Christmas was moved in some countries. So, Canute's feast day also moved. Now, it is celebrated on January 13 in Sweden, Finland, and parts of Norway.
The Canute Guild in Tallinn, Estonia, was named after Canute Lavard. This guild later gave its name to "Canute Street" (Kanuti tänav) and "Canute Garden" (Kanuti aed) in the city.
Canute's Family
Canute Lavard married Ingeborg of Kiev. She was the daughter of Mstislav I of Kiev. Canute and Ingeborg had four children:
- Margaret, who married Stig Hvitaledr
- Christina (born 1118), who married Magnus IV of Norway in 1133
- Catherine, who married Pribislav of Mecklenburg
- Valdemar I of Denmark (born 1131), who became a king of Denmark
