Glimpse of European History Thread #256

A kingdom sought by two dynasties.

But both die out in quick succession in the male line.

Another emerges, with a noble ruling as king in all but title, on behalf of his son crowned as king.

Story in the evening … https://t.co/835JrXOPXw

— Ranjith Kollannur (@Arby_K) December 8, 2022

A kingdom sought by two dynasties.

But both die out in quick succession in the male line.

Another emerges, with a noble ruling as king in all but title, on behalf of his son crowned as king.

Birger Magnusson was born around 1210 to Magnus “Minnesköld” Bengtsson and Ingrid Ilva. Magnus was the grandson of the powerful Scandinavian noble, Folke, while Ingrid may have been a descendant of Sverker, King of Sweden in mid 12th century. 1/10

The kingdom of Sweden claimed land on the western and eastern coasts of the Baltic Sea in the 13th century. However, the crown itself was held between two dynasties since Sverker's death in 1156; by Sverker's family and that of Erik who became king after Sverker. 2/10

Birger's family retained an influential position in Sweden during the rule of both dynasties. His paternal uncle, Birger "Brosa" Bengtsson, was the Jarl of Sweden when Knut Eriksson was king. The senior Birger also retained strong marital ties with the family of Sverker. 3/10

In 1222, the family of Sverker died out in the male line with the death of King Johan. His sister, Helena, was married to Sune Folkason, a grandson of Birger Brosa. Erik Eriksson, from the family of Erik, became the new king. 4/10

In 1243, King Erik married Katarina, daughter of Sune Folkason and Helena, in 1243 connecting the two royal dynasties. Birger Magnusson, by the meantime, had married King Erik's sister, Ingeborg. 5/10

Birger was appointed Jarl of Sweden by 1248. His predecessor, Ulf, was likely a son of Birger's uncle, Karl "Döve" Bengtsson. Two years later, King Erik died without any children. As the king's brother-in-law, Birger may have been a potential candidate for the throne. 6/10

Instead, Birger's eldest son, Valdemar, born around 1237, was elected as king. But given the new king's minority, it was the Jarl Birger who really ruled Sweden. He cultivated strong ties with his neighbours, Denmark and Norway, though not in Finland. 7/10

There had been intermittent warfare between the different tribes on either coast of the Baltic Sea, but by the time Birger died in 1266, Sweden had consolidated its hold over Finland. Finland remained part of Sweden until 1809, when it was conquered by Russia. 8/10

It was only after 1266 that Valdemar could rule independently. However, he was soon deposed by Birger's younger son, Magnus "Ladulås" Birgersson, in 1275. The subsequent kings of Sweden were descendants of King Magnus. 9/10

The dynasty peaked under another Magnus, a grandson of the first Magnus, who ruled both Sweden & Norway. His grandson, Olav, was the last of Birger's house, dying young, but as king of Denmark and Norway, setting the stage for his mother to unite Scandinavia under her rule. 10/10

Originally tweeted by Ranjith Kollannur (@Arby_K) on December 8, 2022.

Birger Magnusson, Jarl of Sweden (1248-1266) – The Swedish conquest of Finland which led to Swedish rule in Finland for close to six centuries