- Harald Kesja
Harald Kesja, "Harald the Spear", (1080-1135) was the son of
Eric I of Denmark . He was married toRagnhild Magnusdotter , the daughter of KingMagnus III of Norway . Eric appointed Harald the ruler ofDenmark in 1103, when he went toJerusalem , but Harald had to decline because of his uncleNiels of Denmark , who was elected king in 1104.Harald was courageous, but violent, cruel and debauched. Among his 15 sons, only four were born in wedlock. Harald plundered far and wide from his stronghold
Haraldsborg atRoskilde . In 1132, he allied with his half-brother Eric Emune in order to avenge his third brotherCanute Lavard , but he later turned to the murdererMagnus Nilsson and fought with him at theBattle of Fotevik inSkåne , 1134. He fled after the defeat but he was taken captive nearVejle onJutland and decapitated together with six of his sons.One of his sons,
Björn Ironside Haraldsson marriedKatarina Ingesdotter the daughter ofInge I of Sweden . Björn was the father ofChristina Bjornsdatter , a Swedish queen.
Wikimedia Foundation. 2010.