Sweyn Forkbeard
Sweyn Forkbeard (Old Norse: Sveinn Haraldsson tjúguskegg [ˈswɛinː ˈhɑrˌɑldsˌson ˈtjuːɣoˌskeɡː]; Danish: Svend Tveskæg; 17 April 963 – 3 February 1014) was King of Denmark from 986 until his death, King of England for five weeks from December 1013 until his death, and King of Norway from 999/1000 until 1013/14. He was the father of King Harald II of Denmark, King Cnut the Great, and Queen Estrid Svendsdatter.
| Sweyn Forkbeard | |
|---|---|
Sweyn (Suanus rex) invading England in 1013 (detail of a 13th-century miniature) – Cambridge University Library | |
| King of Denmark | |
| Reign | 986–1014 |
| Predecessor | Harald Bluetooth |
| Successor | Harald II |
| King of Norway | |
| Reign | 999/1000–1013/14 |
| Predecessor | Olaf I |
| Successor | Olaf II |
| King of the English | |
| Reign | 1013–1014 |
| Predecessor | Æthelred the Unready |
| Successor | Æthelred the Unready |
| Born | 17 April 963 Denmark |
| Died | 3 February 1014
(aged 50) Gainsborough, Lincolnshire, England |
| Burial | |
| Spouse | Świętosława / Sigrid / Gunhild |
| Issue among others... | |
| House | House of Denmark |
| Father | Knut Danaást or Harald Bluetooth |
| Mother | Tove or Gunhild |
In the mid-980s, Sweyn revolted against his father, Harald Bluetooth, and seized the throne. Harald was driven into exile and died shortly afterwards in November 986 or 987. In 1000, with the allegiance of Eric, Earl of Lade, Sweyn ruled most of Norway. In 1013, shortly before his death, he became the first Danish king of the English after a long effort.