Canute Lavard
Canute Lavard was a Danish prince and the first Duke of Schleswig. He is remembered as a border prince who held both Danish and German vassalage, and as the father of King Valdemar I of Denmark. His assassination by his cousin Magnus the Strong led to a civil war and ultimately his canonization.
- Feast Day
- January 13
- Century
- 12th century
- Country Or Region
- Denmark
Key Facts
- ›Canute Lavard was born on March 12, 1096, and died on January 7, 1131.
- ›He was the first Duke of Schleswig and a Danish and German vassal.
- ›He was killed by his cousin Magnus the Strong, who feared him as a rival for the Danish throne.
- ›Canute Lavard was canonized in 1170.
- ›He was the father of King Valdemar I of Denmark and grandfather of King Valdemar II of Denmark.
- ›His feast day was originally celebrated on January 7, but is now celebrated on January 13.
Saint Knud, Knud Lavard, jarl af Sønderjylland, Duke of Holstein, Hertug af Holsten, Duke of Schleswig, Hertug af Slesvig
About Canute Lavard
Canute Lavard (born March 12, 1096 – died January 7, 1131), also known as Saint Knud, was a Danish prince who later held the significant position of the first Duke of Schleswig. His life and death played a crucial role in Danish history, leading to his eventual canonization.
Life and historical context
Canute was the only legitimate son of King Eric I of Denmark and Boedil Thurgotsdatter. As a minor, he was bypassed in the royal election of 1104. He grew up with the support of the noble Hvide family. In 1115, his uncle, King Niels of Denmark, appointed him to govern the Duchy of Schleswig, tasking him with pacifying the border region against Slavic Obotrite attacks. Over the next fifteen years, Canute successfully established peace, earning him the title Duke of Holstein and making him a vassal of the Holy Roman Empire. He was known to be attracted to the knightly ideals of medieval Germany, reflected in his adoption of the title Duke of Schleswig. This position, however, also made him a potential successor to his uncle, which created powerful enemies among Danish princes and magnates who questioned his loyalty and feared his ties to Emperor Lothair III.
Death and legacy
Both King Niels and his son, Magnus the Strong, became alarmed by Canute's recognition by the Emperor. On January 7, 1131, Magnus the Strong murdered Canute in the Haraldsted Forest near Ringsted. Ringsted Abbey initially became his resting place, with his remains later moved to St. Bendt's Church in Ringsted. The death of Canute Lavard triggered a civil war that persisted until 1157, concluding with the victory of his posthumous son, Valdemar I. The circumstances of his death and his son's subsequent triumph provided the foundation for his canonization in 1170, at the request of King Valdemar. Canute Lavard is an ancestor of the Valdemarian kings and their royal line, including King Valdemar I and his son, King Valdemar II.
Veneration
Canute Lavard was canonized in 1170. His feast day, originally observed on the day of his death, January 7, was later moved to January 13 in some Scandinavian countries. The Canute Guild in Tallinn, Estonia, was named in his commemoration, and this guild later gave its name to "Canute Street" and "Canute Garden" in the city.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Canute Lavard?
Canute Lavard was a Danish prince, the first Duke of Schleswig, and a border prince who was a vassal to both Denmark and the Holy Roman Empire. He is known for his role in securing peace in the border region.
How did Canute Lavard die?
Canute Lavard was murdered on January 7, 1131, in the Haraldsted Forest by his cousin, Magnus the Strong, who perceived him as a rival for the Danish throne.
When was Canute Lavard canonized?
Canute Lavard was canonized in 1170, at the request of King Valdemar I, his son. This canonization followed a civil war that concluded with Valdemar I's victory.
What is Canute Lavard's feast day?
Canute Lavard's feast day was originally celebrated on January 7, the day of his death. Due to calendar changes in some Nordic countries, it is now widely celebrated on January 13.
What is Canute Lavard's significance in Danish royalty?
Canute Lavard was an ancestor of the Valdemarian kings of Denmark. He was the father of King Valdemar I and the grandfather of King Valdemar II, establishing an important royal lineage.
Related Saints
Canute IV of Denmark
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