History Profiles episodes
Eric the Victorious: Sweden's Foremost Viking Ruler

Eric the Victorious: Sweden's Foremost Viking Ruler

Erik Björnsson, famously known as Eric the Victorious, is a notable figure in Sweden's Viking Age. Recognized as the earliest monarch in a continuous royal lineage, his existence is verified by multiple sources.

Nicknamed "the Victorious" for his triumph over his nephew Styrbjörn the Strong and the Jomsvikings at the Battle of Fýrisvellir, Eric's reign marked Swedish expansion and influence.

According to medieval chroniclers Adam of Bremen and Saxo Grammaticus, Eric also seized the Danish throne from King Sweyn Forkbeard, ruling both Sweden and Denmark.

Eric the Victorious is mentioned in various historical texts such as the Heimskringla, Adam of Bremen's History of the Archbishops of Hamburg, and Saxo Grammaticus’ Gesta Danorum. Despite some legends, such converging references confirm his historical significance.


00:00 Introduction

03:23 Ancestry & Early Life

05:58 Feud with Styrbjörn the Strong

08:07 The Battle of Fýrisvellir

11:28 Marriage to Sigrid the Haughty

12:38 Conquest of Denmark & Invasion of Saxony

16:32 Death & Legacy


All credit for the music goes to: Savfk - Music

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#Eric the Victorious, #Sweden, #Viking Age, #Battle of Fýrisvellir, #Styrbjörn the Strong, #Jomsvikings, #Swedish expansion, #medieval history


Timeline

00:00:Introduction

03:23:Ancestry & Early Life

05:58:Feud with Styrbjörn the Strong

08:07:The Battle of Fýrisvellir

11:28:Marriage to Sigrid the Haughty

12:38:Conquest of Denmark & Invasion of Saxony

16:32:Death & Legacy