History Profiles episodes
Canute the Holy: The Last Viking King of Denmark

Canute the Holy: The Last Viking King of Denmark

Canute IV, famously known as Canute the Holy, reigned as the Danish king during the late 11th century. He aimed to bolster the Danish monarchy and reclaim the North Sea Empire, once ruled by his grand-uncle, Canute the Great. Viewing William the Conqueror as an illegitimate ruler of England, Canute initiated multiple raids to extend his influence.


A fervent advocate of the Roman Catholic Church, Canute was dedicated to religious reforms, yet this fervor contributed to his downfall. His enforcement of strict tithes (church taxes) led to widespread dissent among his subjects. By empowering the clergy to levy taxes and fines on church land peasants, he estranged the common populace.


These grievances incited a peasant revolt in early 1086 in Vendsyssel, coinciding with Canute's presence there. Seeking refuge in a church, he was ultimately killed by rebels, marking a brutal end to his rule.


In 1101, the Roman Catholic Church canonized Canute, making him the first Danish king to receive sainthood, and recognizing him as Denmark's patron saint.


Music: "VOICE OF PRAYER" by Noel Malekar
Video Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TSpEjSoiZ6c

Music by Alexander Nakarada - CreatorChords
Track: Celtic Music → "Grundar" by Alexander Nakarada (Royalty Free)
Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WZjpLQYAnr8

#Canute the Holy, #Viking history, #Danish monarchy, #North Sea Empire, #William the Conqueror, #Roman Catholic Church, #religious reform, #peasant uprising, #canonized saint, #Denmark


Timeline

00:00:Introduction

01:36:Ancestry & Early Life

02:41:Danish Attack on Norman England (1069–1070)

06:12:Raid of 1075

07:17:Ascension to the Danish Throne

08:32:A Holy Man

10:30:Planned Invasion of England

13:26:Peasant Uprising, Death & Legacy