Christopher I of Denmark

Christopher I (1219-May 29, 1259) was King of Denmark between 1252 and 1259. He was the son of Valdemar II of Denmark by his wife, Princess Berengária of Portugal, and brother to Abel and Eric IV. He was elected King upon the death of his older brother Abel in the summer of 1252.

Related Topics:
1219 - May 29 - 1259 - Denmark - 1252 - Valdemar II of Denmark - Princess Berengária of Portugal - Abel - Eric IV

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Christopher found himself excommunicated from the Catholic Church, while trying to have his brother Eric IV of Denmark canonized. Eric was supposedly murdered by brother King Abel in 1250. His men had arrested and humiliated the proud and self-righteous Archbishop Jakob Erlandsen after Erlandsen had refused to recognize Christopher's son, Eric, as his (Christopher's) rightful successor. But the excommunication had little or no effect, and Christopher was buried in Christian soil by the Bishop of Ribe upon his death on May 29, 1259.

Related Topics:
Eric IV of Denmark - Jakob Erlandsen - Ribe

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Some claimed that the King died very "unexpectedly" and shortly after taking the Holy Communion, but proof that he was in fact poisoned has never been offered. Christopher's allies, however, apparently took to calling him Krist-Offer ("Christ's sacrifice").

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Christopher (Kristoffer) married Margaret Sambiria of Kassuben and had three children:

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• Matilda (died 1311), married to Albert III, Margrave of Brandenburg
• Margaret (died 1306), married Count John II of Holstein-Kiel
• King Eric V of Denmark.