Eric I of Denmark

Eric I of Denmark (c. 1060, Slangerup, Denmark – July 10, 1103), also known as Erik Ejegod (Danish:forever kind-hearted), was King of Denmark following his brother Olaf I in 1095. He was a son of King Sweyn Estridson, by his wife Gunhild Svendsdatter, and he married Boedil Thurgotsdatter.

He was born in the town of Slangerup in North Zealand. During the rule of his half-brother Canute IV of Denmark he was an eager supporter of the king, but he was spared during the rebellion against Canute. Erik remained at the royal farm instead of accompanying Canute to St Albans church in Odense. Erik talked his way off the farm and fled to Zealand then fled to Skania which was part of Denmark at the time. Olaf Hunger was elected King of Denmark, but reigned only a short time. At last Erik was elected as a king at the several assemblies (Danish:landsting). Erik was well-liked by the people and the famines that had plagued Denmark during Olaf Hunger's reign ceased. For many it seemed a sign from God that Erik was the right king for Denmark.

Medieval chroniclers (for instance Saxo Grammaticus) and myths portray him a “strapping fellow” appealing to the common people. He could keep his place when four men tried their best to move him. Erik was a good speaker, people went out of their way to hear him. After an assembly (Danish:ting) concluded he went about the neighborhood greeting men, women and children at their homesteads. He had a reputation as a loud man who liked parties and who led a rather dissipated private life. Though a presumed supporter of a strong royal power he seems to have behaved like a diplomat avoiding any clash with the farmers. He had a reputation for being ruthless to robbers and pirates.

On a visit to the Pope in Rome he obtained canonization for his late brother,Canute IV, and an archbishopric for Denmark (now Lund in Scania), instead of being under the Archbishop of Hamburg-Bremen. Bishop Asser then became the first Archbishop of Lund.

King Erik announced at the Viborg assembly that he had determined to go on pilgrimage to the Holy Land. The cause, according to Danmarks Riges Krønike, was the murder of four of his own men while drunk at a feast in his own hall. Despite the pleadings of his subjects, he would not be deterred. Erik appointed his son, Harald Kejsa, and Bishop Asser as regents.

Erik and Bodil and a large company traveled through Russia to Constantinople where he was a guest of the emperor. While there he became ill, but took ship for Cyprus anyway. He died at Paphos, Cyprus in July 1103. The queen had him buried there. He was the first king to go on pilgrimage after Jerusalem was conquered during the First Crusade. [cite news | first= | last= | coauthors= | title=Denmark and Cyprus pay tribute to 12th century king | date=Wed Mar 26, 2008 | publisher= | url =http://in.reuters.com/article/lifestyleMolt/idINL2675268220080326 | work =Reuters | pages = | accessdate = 2008-03-27 | language = ] Queen Bodil also became ill, but made it to Jerusalem where she died. She was buried at the foot of the Mount of Olives in "Josaphats Vale".

Erik and Bodil had one legitimate son, Canute Lavard. Harald Kesja was Canute's half brother. Erik had two sons outside marriage Eric II Emune and Benedict, and two daughters, one named Ragnhilde (mother of the future king Eric III). [Hvitfeldt, Arild.Danmarks Riges Krønike]

St Canute Lavard was King Erik's eldest son, and he was a chivalrous and popular Danish prince. Canute was murdered January 7, 1131 by Erik's nephew Magnus, the son of King Niels the Elder, who viewed Canute as a likely competitor for the throne. Canute's death occurred days before the birth of Canutes child, Valdemar, who would become King of Denmark from 1157-1182. Eric Ejegod is the ancestor of later Danish monarchs.

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