Canute VI of Denmark facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Canute VI |
|
|---|---|
The seal of Canute VI, dating from the 1190s, is the earliest known example of the coat of arms of Denmark. The only known copy of this insignia was discovered in Schwerin, Germany in 1879. The king's closed crown differs from the open crowns shown on the seals of his successors.
|
|
| King of Denmark | |
| Reign | 1182–1202 |
| Coronation | 25 June 1170 |
| Predecessor | Valdemar I |
| Successor | Valdemar II |
| King of the Wends | |
| Reign | 1185–1202 |
| Successor | Valdemar II |
| Born | c. 1163 |
| Died | 12 November 1202 (aged 38–39) |
| Burial | St. Bendt's Church |
| Spouse |
Gertrude of Bavaria
(m. 1177; died 1197) |
| House | Estridsen |
| Father | Valdemar I of Denmark |
| Mother | Sophia of Minsk |
Canute VI (Danish: Knud Valdemarsøn; around 1163 – November 12, 1202) was a Danish king. He ruled Denmark from 1182 to 1202. People at the time said he was a serious and very religious person.
Contents
Becoming King of Denmark
Canute VI was the oldest son of King Valdemar I and Queen Sophia. His younger brother, Valdemar, was born in 1170. When Canute was just seven years old, in 1170, he became co-king with his father. This was the first time a Danish king was crowned in a special ceremony. Archbishop Eskil of Lund crowned him in Ringsted.
After his father died in 1182, Canute became the only King of Denmark. He was chosen at the Urnehoved Assembly and other meetings across Denmark.
Challenges and Victories of Canute VI
Dealing with a Peasant Uprising
Soon after becoming king, Canute faced a problem. Farmers in Skåne refused to pay a tax to Bishop Absalon. They chose Harald Skreng to speak for them to the king. But Canute refused to listen. He started to gather an army to make them obey.
Before Canute's army was ready, local nobles fought the farmers. They defeated the farmers in a battle at Dösjebro. Canute arrived later and punished the farmers severely. Bishop Absalon even asked the king to stop.
Standing Up to the Emperor
.jpg)
The powerful Emperor Frederick Barbarossa believed he was in charge of Denmark. He sent a message to Canute, telling him to accept the emperor as his ruler. Canute ignored the message. The emperor sent another message, threatening Canute if he didn't agree.
Bishop Absalon replied for Canute. He said, "Canute is as free a king as the emperor. He has as much right to Denmark as the emperor has to his own empire. So, the emperor should not expect loyalty from Denmark."
The emperor was very angry. He ordered his ally, Duke Bogislaw I of Pomerania, to attack Denmark. Duke Bogislaw quickly gathered 500 ships.
The Great Sea Battle
Prince Jaromar I, Prince of Rügen warned Denmark about the invasion. King Canute was in Jutland, so Bishop Absalon took charge. He ordered all available ships to meet him in six days. Absalon sailed to Rügen with his fleet.
On Easter Day, a scout ran into the church where Absalon was holding a service. He shouted that the enemy ships were seen through the fog. Absalon famously said, "Now I will let my sword sing the mass to the praise of God!" He quickly prepared for battle.
The Danish fleet sailed into the fog. Bogislaw's ships didn't see the Danes until they heard their war cries. The Pomeranians panicked and tried to escape. Many ships crashed into each other, and eight sank. The Danes started to take goods from the enemy ships. But Absalon told them to leave the treasure and chase the enemy.
With only seven ships, Absalon chased and defeated the entire Pomeranian fleet. He captured 35 enemy ships. Absalon sent Bogislaw's own large tent to King Canute. After this defeat, the emperor stopped trying to control Denmark for a while.
Expanding Danish Power
Canute then ordered two invasions of Pomerania. In 1185, he forced Duke Bogislaw to accept Canute as his ruler. From that time until 1972, Danish kings used the title "King of the Wends" (De Venders Koning). This was part of a long list of areas ruled by Danish monarchs.
In 1197, Canute personally led a crusade against the pagan Estonians.
The Young Duke Valdemar's Actions
Canute's younger brother, Valdemar, was Duke of Southern Jutland. He was only twelve when his father died. Bishop Valdemar of Schleswig was chosen to guide him. However, Bishop Valdemar was ambitious. He started gathering support from German nobles against King Canute.
Bishop Valdemar secretly planned with Count Adolf III of Holstein to overthrow King Canute. When Bishop Valdemar became Archbishop of Lund, he spoke openly about his plans. Young Duke Valdemar met with the powerful bishop in 1192. There, Duke Valdemar ordered his men to arrest the bishop. The bishop was sent to Søborg Tower for 13 years.
In 1199, Count Adolf tried to cause trouble for Duke Valdemar. So, the young Duke attacked Adolf's new fortress at Rendsburg. Duke Valdemar defeated Adolf's army in the Battle of Stellau in 1201. He captured Count Adolf, who also spent three years in Søborg Tower. To gain his freedom, Count Adolf had to give all his lands north of the Elbe River to Duke Valdemar in 1203.
The End of Canute's Reign
Canute's close friend and main advisor, Bishop Absalon, died on March 21, 1201. Absalon was a very important person in Danish history. He helped shape many of Denmark's policies under King Canute VI. Absalon was buried next to his father in Sorø church. His tombstone says he was "a good and brave man."
Less than two years later, on November 12, 1202, King Canute died suddenly. He was 39 years old.
In 1177, Canute married Gertrude. She was the daughter of Duke Henry the Lion of Saxony. Gertrude had been married before but became a widow in 1167. Canute and Gertrude did not have any children.
King Canute was followed by his younger brother, Valdemar II. Valdemar II ruled Denmark from 1202 to 1241.
