Eric X of Sweden facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Eric X
Coin of King Eric
King of Sweden
Reign	1208 - 1216
Predecessor	Sverker II
Successor	John I
Born	c. 1180
Died	10 April 1216 (aged 35–36) Näs Castle on the island of Visingsö
Burial	Varnhem Abbey Church
Spouse	Richeza of Denmark
House	Eric
Father	Canute I of Sweden
Mother	possibly Cecilia Johansdotter

Eric X (also known as Erik Knutsson in Swedish) was the King of Sweden from 1208 to 1216. He was sometimes called Eric the Survivor. This was because he was the only son of King Canute I of Sweden who was still alive when he became king. We don't know his mother's name for sure, but it might have been Cecilia. Eric was born around 1180.

Becoming King: A Royal Struggle

We don't know much about Eric's early life. He was likely born around 1180. When his father, King Canute I, died in 1195 or 1196, Eric and his three brothers were young men. One of them was even chosen to be the next king while Canute was still alive. However, the throne went to Sverker Karlsson instead. Sverker was from a different royal family, the Sverkers. This change happened peacefully, possibly because of a powerful leader named Jarl Birger Brosa.

Escaping to Norway

Eric and his brothers continued to live at the Swedish royal court. They were raised by King Sverker. After Birger Brosa died, Eric and his brothers felt it was time to claim the throne. King Sverker didn't agree. So, Eric and his brothers escaped to Norway in 1204–05. They had family ties with a group in Norway called the Birkebeiner. They hoped to get their help.

Battles for the Crown

In 1205, Eric and his brothers returned to Sweden with help from Norway. But King Sverker defeated them in the Battle of Älgarås. In this battle, all three of Eric's brothers were killed. Eric was the only one who survived. He fled back to Norway and stayed there for three years.

In 1208, Eric came back to Sweden, likely with more help from the Birkebeiner. King Valdemar Sejr of Denmark sent soldiers to help Sverker. But in January 1208, Eric defeated Sverker in the Battle of Lena. Eric's army also killed the Danish commander, Ebbe Sunesen.

Eric's Reign as King

After his victory, Eric became the King of Sweden. He appointed Folke Jarl as a new high-ranking leader. Folke was likely another son of Birger Brosa. Folke was also the founder of the Folkung party. This group played an important role in Swedish politics in the 1200s.

Peace with Denmark and the Church

After losing the battle, Sverker and Archbishop Valerius went to Denmark. They asked Pope Innocent III for help. The Pope told Eric to make peace with Sverker. But Eric didn't agree.

In 1210, Sverker tried to take back the throne by invading Sweden. But Eric defeated him again in the Battle of Gestilren in July 1210. Sverker was killed in this battle. Folke Jarl, Eric's ally, also died.

Even though the Church had been against him, King Eric quickly made peace with the Danish king and the Catholic Church. In 1210, he married Princess Richeza of Denmark. She was the daughter of a former Danish king and sister of Valdemar Sejr. This marriage helped improve relations with Denmark. In November 1210, Eric was the first Swedish king known to have a coronation ceremony. Archbishop Valerius, who had been his enemy, crowned him.

A Good King

Not many written records from Eric's time exist. So, we don't know a lot of details about his rule. However, in 1216, Pope Innocent III officially recognized Eric as the ruler of Sweden. The Pope also said Eric could rule any non-Christian lands he might conquer in the future. This suggests King Eric had plans to expand his kingdom across the Baltic Sea.

In Swedish history, Eric is seen as a good king. An old Swedish law book calls him a "harvest king," meaning he brought good years to the country.

Eric died suddenly on April 10, 1216, at Näs Castle on Visingsö island. He was buried in the Varnhem Abbey Church. He did not have a son when he died, but Queen Richeza gave birth to a boy shortly after (who later became Eric XI of Sweden). His successor was John I, who was the son of his rival, Sverker II.

Eric's Children

• Sophia Eriksdotter (died 1241), who married Henry III of Rostock.
• Ingeborg Eriksdotter (died 1254), who married Birger Jarl, a powerful leader in Sweden.
• Eric XI of Sweden (1216–1250).
• Some sources also mention two other daughters: Martha Eriksdotter and Marianna.

Images for kids

• 

  The seal of King Erik.

See also

In Spanish: Erico X Knutsson para niños