Eric IV of Denmark

Erik d4 Plovpenning

Eric IV of Denmark (1216 – 10 August 1250), also known as Eric Ploughpenny (Danish: Erik Plovpenning), was King of Denmark from 1241 until his death in 1250. He was the son of Valdemar II and Berengária of Portugal, and he belonged to the House of Estridsen, which had ruled Denmark since the late 10th century. Eric's reign was marked by internal conflicts, a focus on expanding Denmark's territory, and efforts to promote legal reforms.

Early Life

Eric was born in 1216 as the second son of King Valdemar II and his second wife, Berengária of Portugal. His upbringing was typical for a prince of his time, involving education in chivalry, administration, and military leadership. Eric's elder brother, Valdemar the Young, was initially the heir to the throne, but his untimely death in 1231 made Eric the next in line.

Reign

Eric IV ascended the throne in 1241 following the death of his father. His reign was characterized by his attempts to consolidate royal authority and expand Danish territories. He continued the policies of his predecessors in trying to control the Baltic Sea region, engaging in conflicts with the Hanseatic League and neighboring princes.

One of Eric's significant domestic policies was the introduction of a comprehensive legal code, which aimed to standardize laws across the kingdom. This legal reform was an essential step towards centralizing government power, which had previously been fragmented among local nobles.

Eric's reign was also marked by conflict with the Church, primarily over issues of taxation and the appointment of bishops. This friction culminated in his excommunication by the Pope, a common political tool used by the papacy during the Middle Ages to assert its authority over secular rulers.

Conflict with the Nobility

Eric's efforts to strengthen royal authority did not sit well with the Danish nobility, leading to several rebellions during his reign. The most notable of these was led by his brother, Abel, who would eventually succeed him. The tension between Eric and the nobility was exacerbated by his taxation policies, which were seen as burdensome by many.

Death and Legacy

Eric IV's reign came to a violent end in 1250 when he was murdered by his brother Abel, who then seized the throne. Eric's death marked the beginning of a tumultuous period in Danish history, characterized by a series of internal conflicts and power struggles that would last for decades.

Despite his violent end and the controversies that marked his reign, Eric IV made significant contributions to the development of the Danish state. His legal reforms laid the groundwork for a more centralized and efficient administration, and his efforts to expand Danish influence in the Baltic region were a continuation of his ancestors' ambitions.

Family

Eric IV was married to Jutta of Saxony, with whom he had several children, including his daughter Sophie of Denmark, who would go on to marry King Valdemar I of Sweden and play a significant role in Swedish history.

See Also

• List of Danish monarchs
• History of Denmark