[June 25] Niels, king of Denmark

Parents: Sweyn II, king of Denmark
Date of Birth: circa 1065
Royal House: Estridsen
Spouse: (1) Margaret, daughter of Inge, king of Sweden, and Helena, then (2) Ulvhild, daughter of Håkon Finnsson
Predecessor: Eric I
Reign: 1104 – 1134
Summary: Niels was the fifth son of King Sweyn II of Denmark to ascend the throne in a succession that was problematic at best. He isn't even mentioned in records until 1086 when he was a hostage sent to Flanders in exchange for his elder brother Olaf. Two decades later, his closest brother, Eric I, died during a pilgrimage and the Danish courts elected Niels as the next king against the claims of Eric's son, Harald Kesja. To solidify his reign and position, Niels quickly married the daughter of the king of Sweden, Margaret, and she continued to control much of his politics throughout his reign.

Despite having such an obvious rival for the throne, most of Niels' reign was peaceful. The king was calm and talkative, but not entirely competent. The king installed many people personally loyal to him including relatives, in-laws, and other family members. Most importantly, he installed is elder brother's other sons as local lords to counter the claims of Harald. Another elder brother, Canute IV, was canonized in his reign partially through his own prompting and support. In 1125, his only known son, Magnus, became king of Sweden, through the right of his mother, Niels' wife. Margaret soon died around 1129 and Magnus was dethroned the following year. Chaos then ensued in neighboring Sweden as war broke out between the claims of Magnus and the claims of a cousin, Canute Lavard. Canute had strong claims to Denmark as well, being the jarl of Schleswig. Magnus was forced to kill his cousin in 1131 in Denmark and Niels condemned his son for the crime. Canute's brother, Eric, then rose up in rebellion in Denmark to claim the succession to the Danish throne despite Niels still being alive. Niels and Magnus joined forces against their erstwhile nephew and cousin. Eric brought in German mercenaries and decimated their forces. Magnus was killed and Niels fled to Germany and the court of Holy Roman Emperor Lothair III but was captured in Schleswig. In confidence that he would be alright, he marched up to the capital of Schleswig and was slain in front of the ducal palace. Eric was now the uncontested king of Denmark and took the throne as Eric II.
Date of Death: 25 June  1134
Successor: Eric II

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