The History of King Eric of Sweden Quiz

Answer: The Victorious

Eric (c. 945-c. 995) was the first King of Sweden (970-995) for whom there is real historical evidence. The core of his kingdom was the area around Uppsala. Eric married on four different occasions. Eric is mentioned by several medieval historians, including Saxo Grammaticus and Adam of Bremen. Living up to his name, Eric is considered the victor of several battles.

Answer: Stenkilsson

Eric was one of two contenders for the throne about 1066. Interestingly, the other was also named Eric. Historical information is limited, but it seems the two engaged in a very deadly civil war. Both died during the war and were succeeded in 1067 by Halsten, son of the previous king, Stenkil.

Answer: Arsall

Eric Arsall briefly reigned as a King of Sweden somewhere around 1183. Eric appeared at a time when Sweden was transitioning from paganism to Christianity. Eric himself was raised as a Christian before renouncing the religion. Eric is described as having several good harvests during his reign as the name Arsall translates to good harvest or blessed with a good year.

He is said to have been killed by his own men. He may be the historic King Segerstil (c. 995) or a predecessor to Olof Skotkonungv (c. 1002), the first Christian King of Sweden.

Answer: The Holy

Eric IX (c. 1125-1160) was King of Sweden for only a short time (1156-1160). As a Saint, his feast day is May 18. He is described as ascending to the throne by universal vote when there was a vacancy. During his reign, he is said to have launched a crusade to bring Christianity to Finland. Legends portray Eric as the model of a just ruler.

Answer: The Survivor

Eric X (c. 1180-1216) was the only surviving son of a previous king, Canute. His reign was from about 1180-1216. He reclaimed the throne from a usurping king. Towards the end of his reign, Eric's rule over Sweden was confirmed by Pope Innocent III. The crusade in which he engaged may have been intended as a more general campaign of military expansion.

Answer: The Lisp and Lame

Eric Erickson (1216-1250) was also known as Eric the Lisp and the Lame. He ruled from 1222-1229 and 1234-1250. His lisp and lameness were somewhat noticeable, but were not used as a name until after his death. He was a somewhat passive king. Swedish rule expanded into parts of Finland during his reign.

Answer: Magnusson

Eric XII died aged 20 of age after a short reign from 1356-1359. Under his rule, he and his father Magnus Eriksson divided control of Sweden. He engaged in an aggressive foreign policy against Denmark. It is believed that Eric's death was due to the Black Death.

Answer: Of Pomerania

Eric XIII (c. 1381-1459) was King of Sweden and Denmark (1387-1439) as well as Norway, Gotland, and Pomerania. He was considered co-ruler for many years along with his great-aunt Margaret. On the plus side, he was considered intelligent, and on the negative side, he was considered hot-tempered. Late in his reign, he went on pilgrimage to Jerusalem.

Answer: Gustavsson

Eric XIV (1533-1577) ruled from 1560 to 1569. He was deposed, probably due to mental instability, and later imprisoned. Earlier in his reign he attempted to curtail the authority of the royal dukes. He generally set himself up in opposition to the Swedish nobility. He unsuccessfully attempted to expand Swedish influence into the Baltic.

Answer: Of Uppsala

Eric was an early king of the area around Uppsala around the year 800. He is believed to be an earlier member of the House of Munso that eventually produced Eric the Victorious. He is mentioned on the Spansola Runestone, which dates from about the year 800. He is referenced in several early saga.