Valdemar, King of Sweden facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Valdemar |
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_bust_2009_Skara_(2).jpg)
King Valdemar in Skara Cathedral
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| King of Sweden | |
| Reign | 1250–1275 |
| Predecessor | Erik XI |
| Successor | Magnus III |
| Born | 1239 |
| Died | 26 December 1302 (aged 62–63) |
| Spouse | Sophia of Denmark |
| Issue |
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| House | House of Bjelbo |
| Father | Birger Jarl |
| Mother | Ingeborg Eriksdotter of Sweden |
Valdemar (also spelled Waldemar) was a king of Sweden who ruled from 1250 to 1275. He was born in 1239 and passed away on December 26, 1302. Valdemar belonged to the House of Bjelbo, an important noble family in Sweden.
Contents
Becoming King Valdemar
Early Life and Royal Connections
Valdemar was the son of Birger Jarl and Princess Ingeborg Eriksdotter of Sweden. His mother, Ingeborg, was the sister of King Eric XI. This made Valdemar part of the royal family.
When King Eric XI passed away in 1250, Valdemar was still a child. Even so, he was chosen to be the next king. He was crowned king the following year in the grand cathedral at Linköping.
Birger Jarl's Influence
For the first sixteen years of Valdemar's rule, his father, Birger Jarl, was the true leader of Sweden. Birger Jarl was a very powerful man. He had already been in charge of Sweden since 1248, even before Valdemar became king.
Challenges and Changes
Family Conflicts and Royal Duties
After Birger Jarl died in 1266, King Valdemar started to have disagreements with his younger brother, Magnus Birgersson. Their conflicts were about taxes and other personal matters.
In 1260, Valdemar married Sophia of Denmark. She was the oldest daughter of King Eric IV of Denmark.
Losing the Throne
Valdemar's brother Magnus wanted to become king. Magnus gathered support from another brother, Eric Birgersson, and also from King Eric V of Denmark, who sent Danish soldiers to help.
On June 14, 1275, Valdemar was defeated by Magnus's forces at the Battle of Hova. After this battle, Magnus was chosen as the new King of Sweden. He became known as King Magnus III.
Later Life and Imprisonment
In 1277, Valdemar's wife, Sophia, left him and went back to Denmark. That same year, Valdemar managed to take back some areas in Gothenland, in the southern part of Sweden. For a short time, he was called the Duke of Götaland. However, Magnus soon took these lands back from him around 1278.
In 1288, King Magnus had Valdemar imprisoned. Valdemar was held in Nyköping Castle (Nyköpingshus). He lived comfortably there but remained a prisoner until his death in 1302.
Valdemar's Family
Valdemar married Sofia of Denmark in 1260. They separated in 1277. Together, they had six children:
- Ingeborg Valdemarsdotter of Sweden, who became the Countess of Holstein.
- Erik Valdemarsson the Elder (1272–1330).
- Marina Valdemarsdotter of Sweden, who married Rudolf, Count of Diepholz.
- Richeza Valdemarsdotter of Sweden (died around 1292), who became the Queen of Poland.
- Katarina Valdemarsdotter of Sweden (died 1283).
- Margareta Valdemarsdotter of Sweden, who became a nun.
