Eric IX of Sweden

Saint Erik IX of Sweden

Saint Erik (c. 1125 – 18 May 1160), also known as Erik IX or Erik Jedvardsson, was King of Sweden from approximately 1156 until his death. He is venerated as a saint in the Roman Catholic Church and commemorated on May 18. Erik is recognized as the founder of the House of Erik, which ruled Sweden with interruptions from his reign until 1250, and he is considered the patron saint of Sweden and its capital, Stockholm.

Background and Reign

Little is known about Erik's early life, and no contemporary sources detailing his life have been found. The first written mention of him appears in a letter during his son Knut Eriksson's reign. The primary account of his life is a hagiographical legend from the late 13th century, whose historicity is debated by historians. This legend states that Erik was of royal blood and was unanimously chosen king. While his paternity is obscure, it is believed he strengthened his claim to the throne through his marriage to the Danish princess Christina Björnsdotter. His reign was marked by a rivalry with Sverker I and his son Karl Sverkersson, who ruled in Östergötland.

Major Contributions and Legend

According to legend, Erik was instrumental in consolidating Christianity within his realm. However, a Cistercian chronicle from around 1200 indicates that Erik and Queen Christina initially harassed monks at Varnhem Abbey, before later allowing the abbey to be reorganized. An early 13th-century source adds that he made donations to Nydala Abbey. Legend also attributes Erik with leading the First Swedish Crusade to Finland to conquer and convert the pagan population. While direct confirmation of this crusade is lacking, papal bulls from the 1170s and 1216 suggest a complex relationship between Sweden and Finland involving expeditions and the promise and denial of the Christian faith.

Erik is portrayed in legend as an ideal, just ruler. He is credited with codifying the laws of his kingdom, known as King Erik's Law, and potentially establishing a monastic chapter in Old Uppsala. Scientific investigation of his remains suggests he observed fasts, as he consumed much freshwater fish.

Assassination and Legacy

The circumstances of Erik's death reveal that his acceptance as king was not unanimous. He faced opposition from Karl Sverkersson and Danish prince Magnus Henriksen. According to legend, Magnus was inspired by the Devil to gather an army. Erik was accosted near Uppsala on the Feast of the Ascension in May 1160 while attending Mass. After hearing the service, he armed himself and his few men to confront Magnus' troops. He was killed and beheaded by the rebels. A papal bull to his son Knut confirms he was killed by unspecified enemies.

After Erik's death, Magnus Henriksen took power but reigned briefly before being assassinated. Karl Sverkersson then took the throne, only to be assassinated in 1167. Erik's son, Knut, returned from exile, defeated his rivals, and unified the kingdom, establishing the House of Erik as the ruling dynasty and using his father's memory to legitimize his reign. Erik's relics were enshrined around 1167 and later transferred to Uppsala Cathedral in 1273. He is venerated as the patron saint of Sweden and Stockholm, and his crowned head is depicted in the city's coat of arms. Scientific examination of his remains has revealed injuries consistent with the legends of his demise, including stab wounds in the back and injuries to the neck vertebrae.