Canute IV of Denmark

Knut IV, the Holy ( * ca 1043; † July 10, 1086 in Odense ) was King of Denmark.

Life

Knut was the son of Sven II Estridsen. 1080 he followed his brother Harald III. on the royal throne. He tried to expand the powers of the monarchy. Through a church -friendly policies he sought the support of the bishops.

Some sources claim that he had given the order to extend the Christmas season to a total of 20 days until January 13, the St. Knut - day so-called.

When he contracted in 1086 troops to conquer England, broke out a popular revolt. This was due less its expansion plans as its repeated interventions in the traditional legal system of the country. Knut and his brother Benedict were killed in the erected by him St. Albans Church in Odense on Funen, the predecessor of today's St Knud Kirke.

His marriage wife Adela, daughter of the Count of Flanders Robert I returned after the death of her husband back to her home. Her son Charles, Count of Flanders, her daughter IngeGerd married the Swedish nobles Folke, thicknesses, progenitor of the royal race of Folkunger.

Appreciation

Since Knut was known for his pro-church politics and was killed in a church, he was declared a martyr. In 1101 he was canonized. Hard days are January 19 and July 10. He is the patron saint of Denmark.

Knut is buried in the Cathedral of Odense; his skeleton is now on display in a glass coffin.