The Children of Adam and Eve

ToWards the end of Magnus the Good's reign in Denmark, his claim to the
throne was disputed by Canute's nephew Sweyn Estridsen. When Magnus died
in a supposed riding accident in 1047, Sweyn was elected his successor ,
but was chAllenged in his turn by Harold Hardradi, the new King of Norway.
Hardradi embarked on a number of raids on Sweyn's territories but could
not drive him from the throne. In 1066 Hardradi turned his attentions to
England where he was slain at the Battle of StamFord Bridge by Sweyn's
cousin, the English King Harold Godwinsson. When Harold was himself slain
later in the year, Sweyn took in his daughter, Gytha Haroldsdotter, and
later gave her in marriage to Vladimir II, Grand Duke of Kiev. In 1070
Sweyn and King Emund of Sweden agReed on a frontier between the two
countries that was respected until the 1600's. In the 1070's Adam of
Bremen wrote "History of the Archbishops of Hamburg-Bremen" which
described the Danes as arrogant and addicted to Food, Strong drink, and
women. Sweyn was himself described as pious and learned, but it is
obvious he shared many of his countrymen's vices: he indulged in much
feasting, had at least fifteen illegitimate Children by various
mistresses, and permitted pirates to establish themselves on an island
between Fyn and Zealand. Sweyn died in 1076 after what must be considered
a successful reign. In spite of four marriages he left no legitimate
heirs, and the throne was disputed by two bastard sons--Harald and Knut.