Eric III of Denmark

Erik III Hakonson Lam (probably born around 1100-1105, died 1146) was the king of Denmark from 1137 until he abdicated in 1146. He was the grandson of Eric I of Denmark.

Related Topics:
1146 - King of Denmark - 1137 - Eric I of Denmark

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Being the nephew of Eric II he succeeded to the throne after the latter?s murder. In general his rule was a peaceful one, however for three years he had to fight against his cousin Oluf, sometimes called Oluf II (or Olaf II) who made himself a base of power in Scania and from there tried to conquer the throne until he was defeated and killed 1143.

Related Topics:
Eric II - Oluf - Olaf II - 1143

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Erik III is the first Danish king who seems to have been strongly influenced by German culture. He had spent his early youth among German knights whose ideals marked most of his later life. Also his queen, Lutgard of Salzwedel, was a German.

Related Topics:
German culture - Lutgard

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Contemporary chroniclers highly disagree about the personality of this king who is sometimes portrayed as a passive and irresolute man, sometimes as an eager and brave fighter. His nickname ?Lam? meant ?weak? or ?meek?. On the other hand Denmark seems to have been a stable country in his last years. The reasons for his abdication (the first one of Danish history) are unknown but he died a monk the same year.

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