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Source: Foundation for Medieval Genealogy - Svend I "--Tveskaeg Forkbeard" King of Denmark

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Titre	Foundation for Medieval Genealogy - Svend I "--Tveskaeg Forkbeard" King of Denmark

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SVEND Haraldsen, son of HARALD I "Blåtand/Bluetooth" King of Denmark & his [first wife Gunhild ---] ([960]-Gainsborough, Lincolnshire 3 Feb 1014, bur in England, later removed to Roskilde Cathedral). Adam of Bremen names "Suein Otto, filius magni Haroldiregis Danorum" when recording that he deposed and expelled his father[185]. Converted to Christianity with his father, he was baptised "OTTO SVEND" in honour of Emperor Otto[186]. Snorre records that "Svein, King Harald's son" rebelled after his fatherrefused to share the kingdom with him, but was forced to flee, although his father had been mortally wounded and Svend was chosen as king after he died[187]. Saxo Grammaticus records that Svend rebelled against his father who fled to “Iulinum” [Jomsborg] where he died from wounds received while counter-attacking his son's forces[188]. He succeeded in [early 987] as SVEND I "Tveskæg/Forkbeard" King of Denmark. Saxo Grammaticus records that King Svend immediately set about restoring the heathen religionin Denmark[189]. Adam of Bremen records that King Svend persecuted Christians in Denmark (“Suein rex persecutionem christianorum exercuisset in Dania”)[190]. Adam also records that "rex Sueonum Hericus" invaded Denmark and expelled “Suein, derelictus aDeo, frustra sperans in ydolis suis”, the latter phrase suggesting that the invasion occurred after Svend had abandoned christianity[191]. Thietmar (writing [1012/18]) records that "Sueino Haraldi fillio" was "post mortem patris sui" captured “a Northmannis insurgentibus”[192]. Adam of Bremen records that King Svend made war “contra Sclavos” and was twice captured “et in Sclavaniam ductus”[193]. Snorre expanded the story, noting that “Sigvalde...earl over Jomsborg in Vindland...” captured King Svend and took him to Jomsborg, threatening to deliver him into the hands of the Wends unless he made peace[194]. Adam of Bremen records that "rex Sueonum Hericus" invaded Denmark and expelled King Svend, who was eventually received by "rex Scotthorum" with whom he stayed seven years until the death of King Erik [994/95], after which he returned to Denmark after 14 years exile (“anno depulsionis vel peregrinatioinis suæ 14”)[195], although the length of his absence must be exaggerated. The implication of Adam’s report is that King Svend first attacked England during his exile: the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle records in 994 that "came Anlaf [Olav Tryggveson, who succeeded in [995] as Olav I King of Norway] and Swein to London with ninety-four ships and kept up an unceasing attack on the city" 8 Sep 994[196]. The Chronicle of the Princes of Wales records that "the isle of Man was devastated by Swain son of Harold" in 994[197]. At that time, Stenton suggests that there was some support to declare Svend as king of England from those who despaired of the government of King Æthelred "the Unready"[198]. Adam of Bremen records that Olof King of Sweden (“Olaph sane, qui post obitum patris Herici regnum super Suevos accepit”) invaded Denmark, expelled “infelicem Suein a regno” and conquered the kingdom (“et ipse optinuit Daniam”), but that Olof restored Svend “in regnum suum, eo quod matrem suam habuerit"[199]. Olav I King of Norway attempted to invade Denmark but was defeated by King Svend in a naval battle "inter Sconiam et Seland", during which King Olav was drowned, after which Svend imposed himself as king of Norway[200]. Danish raids on England intensified after King Æthelred ordered the massacre of Danes in England 13 Nov 1002, which included the death of King Svend's sister Gunhild sister of King Svend. A full-scale Danish invasion came in 1013 and by the end of the year Svend had become SVEIN de facto King of England. King Æthelred fled to Normandy after Christmas 1013[201], but after Svend's death in Feb 1014he was invited back, but on condition he improve his rule. Adam of Bremen records that King Svend held England for only a short time before he died[202]. Guillaume of Jumièges records that “Danamarchæ...regique Sveno” invaded England but died “apud Lundoniam”, was buried “apud Danamarcham”, and was succeeded by “filius eius...Chunutus” who launched a new invasion with “Lacman equidem Suauorum et Olavum Noricorum”[203]. The Encomium Emmæ Reginæ records his sons shipped their father’s body "in Danomarchiam"[204]. There is considerable confusion between the sources regarding King Svend’s marriages[205]: m firstly ([before 987?]) --- (-before [994/95]). No primary source has been found which names King Svend’s first wife convincingly. It is assumed that Svend did have an earlier wife, as a first marriage (with the Polish princess, see below) in [995?] would seem late considering his estimated birth date. This first marriage would presumably be dated to before or around the time of his accession to the Danish throne. The issue is confused by Snorre who names "Geira, Gunhild and Astrid" as the three daughters of "in Vindland…a king called Burizleif"[206], and in a later passage records that “Sigvalde...earl over Jomsborg in Vindland” captured Svend King of Denmark (soon after he deposed his father) and took him “to Vindland, to Jomsborg” where he forcedhim “to make peace with Burizleif, the king of the Vinds”, the arrangement including Svend’s marriage to “Gunhild, King Burizleif’s daughter“ and the marriage of “King Burizleif” to “Thyre, a daughter of Harald, and King Svein’s sister”[207]. If Snorre is correct, Svend’s first wife would be Gunhild of the Wends, daughter of Burislav King of the Wends & his [first] wife ---. Svend’s capture (but not his marriage) is confirmed by Thietmar (writing [1012/18]) who records that "Sueino Haraldi filio" was "post mortem patris sui" (therefore dated to [987]) captured “a Northmannis insurgentibus”[208]. Further details are provided by Adam of Bremen (writing [1075/85]) who records that "rex Sueonum Hericus" invaded Denmark and expelled “Suein, derelictus a Deo, frustra sperans in ydolis suis”[209], and in another passage that "Hericus rex Sueonum" made a treaty with “rege Polanorum Bolizlao” and that “Bolizlaus” gave “filiam vel sororem” to “Herico”[210]. Adam therefore contradicts Snorre regarding the involvement of “Sigvalde” and about who married whom at the time. The dating of Snorre’s sagas to [1230] suggests that the earlier sources should be preferred, although there are indications that the Icelandic/Norse sagas were based on earlier documentation which no longer survives (discussed in the Introduction to the document NORWAY KINGS). Hlawitschka, as part of his discussion about the wives of Erik King of Sweden and Svend King of Denmark, suggests that “Burislaw/Burizleif of the Wends” never existed and was in fact Bolesław I "Chrobry/the Brave" Prince of Poland[211]. Thietmar’s and Adam’s reports suggest that Hlawitschka is correct, while the other sources cited below indicate that the Polish princess was King Svend’s second wife whom he married in [994/95]. Snorre confuses the issue further, by recording elsewhere that “Toste had a daughter...proud and high-minded...Sigrid” who married "the Swedish king, Eirik the Victorious, and had a son by him...Olaf"[212] and, in another saga, that after his first wife died [Gunhild, see above] “the Danish king Svein Tjuguskeg” married “Sigrid the Haughty, a daughter of Skoglartoste, and mother of the Swedish king Olaf” noting that “by means of this relationship there was great friendship between the kings...”[213]. If that is correct, Svend married [as her second husband] Sigrid “Storråda/the Haughty”, widow of Erik “Segersäll/the Victorious” King of Sweden, daughter of "Skoglar" Toste & his wife ---, which directly contradicts all the sources quoted below which indicate the Polish princess as the widow of the Swedish king and second wife of Svend (and also that she was the lady who was “Storråda/the Haughty”). Fagrskinna also names Sigrid, mother of King Olof, as daughter of Skoglar-Tosta[214]. Hlawitschka attempts to resolve the confusion by suggesting that King Svend married firstly the composite person “Gunhild, daughter of “Skoglar” Toste”[215]. This possibility cannot be dismissed, but the suggestion, in particular that Svend’s first wife was named “Gunhild”, is uncorroborated by primary sources except Snorre. The attempt also does not explain Snorre’s reference to “Skoglar” Toste’s daughter marrying the Swedish king, by whom she was mother of his successor (which also contradicts the other sourcescited below). Another possibility is presumably that Sigrid, daughter of “Skoglar” Toste, married firstly the Swedish king (as his first wife) who repudiated her, and secondly married the Danish king (also as his first wife) who may have repudiated her as well, in which case the confusion in the sources could be attributed to both Svend’s wives being named Sigrid.

SVEND Haraldsen, son of HARALD I "Blåtand/Bluetooth" King of Denmark & his [first wife Gunhild ---] ([960]-Gainsborough, Lincolnshire 3 Feb 1014, bur in England, later removed to Roskilde Cathedral). Adam of Bremen names "Suein Otto, filius magni Haroldiregis Danorum" when recording that he deposed and expelled his father[185]. Converted to Christianity with his father, he was baptised "OTTO SVEND" in honour of Emperor Otto[186]. Snorre records that "Svein, King Harald's son" rebelled after his fatherrefused to share the kingdom with him, but was forced to flee, although his father had been mortally wounded and Svend was chosen as king after he died[187]. Saxo Grammaticus records that Svend rebelled against his father who fled to “Iulinum” [Jomsborg] where he died from wounds received while counter-attacking his son's forces[188]. He succeeded in [early 987] as SVEND I "Tveskæg/Forkbeard" King of Denmark. Saxo Grammaticus records that King Svend immediately set about restoring the heathen religionin Denmark[189]. Adam of Bremen records that King Svend persecuted Christians in Denmark (“Suein rex persecutionem christianorum exercuisset in Dania”)[190]. Adam also records that "rex Sueonum Hericus" invaded Denmark and expelled “Suein, derelictus aDeo, frustra sperans in ydolis suis”, the latter phrase suggesting that the invasion occurred after Svend had abandoned christianity[191]. Thietmar (writing [1012/18]) records that "Sueino Haraldi fillio" was "post mortem patris sui" captured “a Northmannis insurgentibus”[192]. Adam of Bremen records that King Svend made war “contra Sclavos” and was twice captured “et in Sclavaniam ductus”[193]. Snorre expanded the story, noting that “Sigvalde...earl over Jomsborg in Vindland...” captured King Svend and took him to Jomsborg, threatening to deliver him into the hands of the Wends unless he made peace[194]. Adam of Bremen records that "rex Sueonum Hericus" invaded Denmark and expelled King Svend, who was eventually received by "rex Scotthorum" with whom he stayed seven years until the death of King Erik [994/95], after which he returned to Denmark after 14 years exile (“anno depulsionis vel peregrinatioinis suæ 14”)[195], although the length of his absence must be exaggerated. The implication of Adam’s report is that King Svend first attacked England during his exile: the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle records in 994 that "came Anlaf [Olav Tryggveson, who succeeded in [995] as Olav I King of Norway] and Swein to London with ninety-four ships and kept up an unceasing attack on the city" 8 Sep 994[196]. The Chronicle of the Princes of Wales records that "the isle of Man was devastated by Swain son of Harold" in 994[197]. At that time, Stenton suggests that there was some support to declare Svend as king of England from those who despaired of the government of King Æthelred "the Unready"[198]. Adam of Bremen records that Olof King of Sweden (“Olaph sane, qui post obitum patris Herici regnum super Suevos accepit”) invaded Denmark, expelled “infelicem Suein a regno” and conquered the kingdom (“et ipse optinuit Daniam”), but that Olof restored Svend “in regnum suum, eo quod matrem suam habuerit"[199]. Olav I King of Norway attempted to invade Denmark but was defeated by King Svend in a naval battle "inter Sconiam et Seland", during which King Olav was drowned, after which Svend imposed himself as king of Norway[200]. Danish raids on England intensified after King Æthelred ordered the massacre of Danes in England 13 Nov 1002, which included the death of King Svend's sister Gunhild sister of King Svend. A full-scale Danish invasion came in 1013 and by the end of the year Svend had become SVEIN de facto King of England. King Æthelred fled to Normandy after Christmas 1013[201], but after Svend's death in Feb 1014he was invited back, but on condition he improve his rule. Adam of Bremen records that King Svend held England for only a short time before he died[202]. Guillaume of Jumièges records that “Danamarchæ...regique Sveno” invaded England but died “apud Lundoniam”, was buried “apud Danamarcham”, and was succeeded by “filius eius...Chunutus” who launched a new invasion with “Lacman equidem Suauorum et Olavum Noricorum”[203]. The Encomium Emmæ Reginæ records his sons shipped their father’s body "in Danomarchiam"[204].

There is considerable confusion between the sources regarding King Svend’s marriages[205]:

m firstly ([before 987?]) --- (-before [994/95]). No primary source has been found which names King Svend’s first wife convincingly. It is assumed that Svend did have an earlier wife, as a first marriage (with the Polish princess, see below) in [995?] would seem late considering his estimated birth date. This first marriage would presumably be dated to before or around the time of his accession to the Danish throne. The issue is confused by Snorre who names "Geira, Gunhild and Astrid" as the three daughters of "in Vindland…a king called Burizleif"[206], and in a later passage records that “Sigvalde...earl over Jomsborg in Vindland” captured Svend King of Denmark (soon after he deposed his father) and took him “to Vindland, to Jomsborg” where he forcedhim “to make peace with Burizleif, the king of the Vinds”, the arrangement including Svend’s marriage to “Gunhild, King Burizleif’s daughter“ and the marriage of “King Burizleif” to “Thyre, a daughter of Harald, and King Svein’s sister”[207]. If Snorre is correct, Svend’s first wife would be Gunhild of the Wends, daughter of Burislav King of the Wends & his [first] wife ---. Svend’s capture (but not his marriage) is confirmed by Thietmar (writing [1012/18]) who records that "Sueino Haraldi filio" was "post mortem patris sui" (therefore dated to [987]) captured “a Northmannis insurgentibus”[208]. Further details are provided by Adam of Bremen (writing [1075/85]) who records that "rex Sueonum Hericus" invaded Denmark and expelled “Suein, derelictus a Deo, frustra sperans in ydolis suis”[209], and in another passage that "Hericus rex Sueonum" made a treaty with “rege Polanorum Bolizlao” and that “Bolizlaus” gave “filiam vel sororem” to “Herico”[210]. Adam therefore contradicts Snorre regarding the involvement of “Sigvalde” and about who married whom at the time. The dating of Snorre’s sagas to [1230] suggests that the earlier sources should be preferred, although there are indications that the Icelandic/Norse sagas were based on earlier documentation which no longer survives (discussed in the Introduction to the document NORWAY KINGS). Hlawitschka, as part of his discussion about the wives of Erik King of Sweden and Svend King of Denmark, suggests that “Burislaw/Burizleif of the Wends” never existed and was in fact Bolesław I "Chrobry/the Brave" Prince of Poland[211]. Thietmar’s and Adam’s reports suggest that Hlawitschka is correct, while the other sources cited below indicate that the Polish princess was King Svend’s second wife whom he married in [994/95]. Snorre confuses the issue further, by recording elsewhere that “Toste had a daughter...proud and high-minded...Sigrid” who married "the Swedish king, Eirik the Victorious, and had a son by him...Olaf"[212] and, in another saga, that after his first wife died [Gunhild, see above] “the Danish king Svein Tjuguskeg” married “Sigrid the Haughty, a daughter of Skoglartoste, and mother of the Swedish king Olaf” noting that “by means of this relationship there was great friendship between the kings...”[213]. If that is correct, Svend married [as her second husband] Sigrid “Storråda/the Haughty”, widow of Erik “Segersäll/the Victorious” King of Sweden, daughter of "Skoglar" Toste & his wife ---, which directly contradicts all the sources quoted below which indicate the Polish princess as the widow of the Swedish king and second wife of Svend (and also that she was the lady who was “Storråda/the Haughty”). Fagrskinna also names Sigrid, mother of King Olof, as daughter of Skoglar-Tosta[214]. Hlawitschka attempts to resolve the confusion by suggesting that King Svend married firstly the composite person “Gunhild, daughter of “Skoglar” Toste”[215]. This possibility cannot be dismissed, but the suggestion, in particular that Svend’s first wife was named “Gunhild”, is uncorroborated by primary sources except Snorre. The attempt also does not explain Snorre’s reference to “Skoglar” Toste’s daughter marrying the Swedish king, by whom she was mother of his successor (which also contradicts the other sourcescited below). Another possibility is presumably that Sigrid, daughter of “Skoglar” Toste, married firstly the Swedish king (as his first wife) who repudiated her, and secondly married the Danish king (also as his first wife) who may have repudiated her as well, in which case the confusion in the sources could be attributed to both Svend’s wives being named Sigrid.