Swein Forkbeard
| Swein Forkbeard | |
|---|---|
Swein (labelled Suanus rex) invading England in 1013 (detail of a 13th-century miniature in Cambridge University Library) | |
| King of Denmark | |
| Reign | 986 – 3 February 1014 |
| Predecessor | Harald Bluetooth |
| Successor | Harald II |
| King of Norway | |
| Reign | 999/1000 – 3 February 1014 |
| Predecessor | Olaf I |
| Successor | Olaf II |
| King of the English | |
| Reign | 1013 – 3 February 1014 |
| Predecessor | Æthelred the Unready |
| Successor | Æthelred the Unready |
| Died | 3 February 1014
(aged 50) Gainsborough, Lincolnshire, England |
| Burial | Roskilde Cathedral or Lund Cathedral |
| Spouses | Świętosława / Sigrid / Gunhild |
| Issue among others... |
|
| House | Knýtlinga |
| Father | Knut Danaást or Harald Bluetooth[1] |
| Mother | Tove or Gunhild[1] |
Swein Forkbeard (also Sweyn, died 3 February 1014) was King of Denmark from 986, King of England for five weeks from December 1013, and King of Norway from 999/1000, all until his death in 1014. He was the father of King Harald II of Denmark, King Cnut the Great, and Queen Estrid Svendsdatter.[1]
In the mid-980s, Swein revolted against his father, Harald Bluetooth, and seized the throne. Harald was driven into exile and died shortly afterwards in November 986 or 987.[2] In 1000, with the allegiance of Eric, Earl of Lade, Swein ruled most of Norway. In 1013, shortly before his death, he became the first Danish king of the English after a long effort.