Margaret of Sweden, Queen of Norway facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Margaret of Sweden |
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|---|---|
| Queen consort of Norway | |
| Tenure | 1189–1202 |
| Born | circa 1155 Sweden |
| Died | 1209 Norway |
| Spouse | Sverre of Norway |
| Issue | Christina of Norway |
| House | Eric |
| Father | Eric IX of Sweden |
| Mother | Christina Björnsdotter |
Margaret of Sweden (in Norwegian: Margrete Eriksdotter) was born around 1155 and passed away in 1209. She became the Queen of Norway by marrying King Sverre of Norway.
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Who Was Queen Margaret?
Margaret was the daughter of King Eric IX of Sweden and his Danish Queen, Christina. She grew up in Sweden.
Becoming Queen of Norway
In 1189, Margaret married King Sverre. This made her the Queen of Norway. During her time as queen, she is not often mentioned in historical records. Sometimes, she appears in stories about important events. For example, she was mentioned when Nikolas Arnesson tried to become a bishop.
Some old stories, called sagas, describe Queen Margaret as someone who faced challenges and was sometimes viewed with suspicion.
Life After King Sverre
In 1202, Margaret became a widow when King Sverre died. After his death, she decided to return to her home country, Sweden. She went to live on her family's lands in Västergötland and Värmland.
When she left Norway, she had to leave her daughter, Kristina Sverresdotter, behind. Margaret did not want to leave Kristina. She stayed in Sweden for two years.
A Difficult Return to Norway
Margaret came back to Norway in 1204. Just two days after her return, on January 1, 1204, her stepson, King Haakon III of Norway, died. His death seemed sudden and mysterious.
Because of the strange circumstances, some people suspected Margaret was involved. One of her servants tried to prove her innocence. This was done through a special old test called a trial by ordeal. However, the trial did not go well for her servant, and he died. After this, Margaret quickly fled back to Sweden.
Final Years and Wedding
Margaret returned to Norway one last time in 1209. She came back for her daughter Kristina's wedding. Kristina was marrying Filip Simonsson. Filip was a leader of a group called the Bagler party. He was also a candidate for the throne of Norway.
Margaret attended the wedding. Soon after the celebration, she became ill. She passed away a few weeks later in 1209.
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Margrete Eriksdotter
House of Eric
Born: c. 1155 Died: 1209 |
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| Preceded by Estrid Bjørnsdotter |
Queen Consort of Norway 1189–1202 |
Succeeded by Margrete Skulesdatter |
