Haakon V facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Haakon V Magnusson
Contemporary bust of Haakon (as duke) from the Stavanger Cathedral, dated to the 1280s.
King of Norway
Reign	15 July 1299 – 8 May 1319
Predecessor	Eric II
Successor	Magnus VII
Born	10 April 1270
Died	8 May 1319(1319-05-08) (aged 49)
Burial	St Mary's Church, Oslo
Spouse	Isabelle de Joigny Euphemia of Rügen
Issue	Ingeborg, Duchess of Halland Agnes Haakonsdatter
House	Sverre
Father	Magnus VI of Norway
Mother	Ingeborg of Denmark

Haakon V Magnusson (born April 10, 1270 – died May 8, 1319) was a powerful king of Norway. He ruled from 1299 until his death in 1319. King Haakon made many important changes during his time. He helped make Oslo the main city of Norway. He also built strong fortresses to protect the country.

Life of King Haakon V

Head from the Nidaros Cathedral, possibly showing an older Haakon.

Burial site of King Haakon V in Oslo.

A sculpture thought to be King Haakon V as Duke of Oslo.

Haakon was the younger son of King Magnus the Lawmender. His mother was Queen Ingeborg of Denmark. In 1273, Haakon's older brother, Eirik, became a junior king. This meant Eirik would rule alongside their father.

At the same time, Haakon was given the title "Duke of Norway." After his father died in 1280, Haakon ruled a large area. This included the region around Oslo and Stavanger. He was still under the rule of his brother, King Eirik. When King Eirik died without sons, Haakon became the new king.

Haakon's Marriages and Family

In 1295, Haakon married Isabelle, the daughter of Jean I, Count of Joigny. Sadly, she died in 1297, and they had no children. His first daughter was Princess Agnes Haakonsdatter.

In 1299, Haakon married for the second time. His new wife was Euphemia. She was the daughter of Vitslav II, Prince of Rügen. In 1301, they had a daughter named Ingeborg Håkonsdotter. Ingeborg later married Duke Eric Magnusson of Sweden. Their son, Magnus Eriksson, would later become king of Norway after Haakon V.

Changes During Haakon's Rule

During King Haakon's reign, Oslo slowly became the capital city of Norway. Before this, Bergen was the main city. Haakon also started building two very important fortresses. These were Akershus Fortress in Oslo and Bohus Fortress. These castles helped protect Norway.

King Haakon also worked to end wars with Denmark. In 1309, he made a peace agreement. This agreement brought an end to many years of fighting between Norway and Denmark.

At home, Haakon worked hard to make the king's power stronger. He tried to limit the power of the "magnates." These were powerful noble families who sometimes challenged the king. Haakon was very successful in this effort.

Succession and Burial

In 1319, King Haakon V died. His grandson, Magnus VII, became the next king. Magnus was still a baby when he became king. Haakon's daughter Ingeborg was made the official ruler for her young son.

King Haakon was buried in St. Mary's church in Oslo. Later, during excavations, the remains of two people were found. People believe these were Haakon and his wife Eufemia. Their remains were moved to the royal burial place at Akershus Castle.

Gallery

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  Seal of Haakon as Duke (front side), used from 1292 to 1298.

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  One-sided seal of Haakon as Duke from 1298.

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  Seal of Haakon as King (front side), used from 1305 to 1318.

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  The back side of another version of Haakon's seal as King, used from 1300 to 1302.

See also

In Spanish: Haakon V de Noruega para niños