Eric II of Denmark

Eric II the Memorable (c. 1090–1137) was an illegitimate son of Eric I and a jarl. After his half-brother Canute Lavard was murdered in 1131, he rose against King Niels and was proclaimed antiking in Scania. Mocked as Harefoot after early defeats, he returned in 1134 and, with German mounted mercenaries, crushed Niels at Fotevik.

He killed his rival Harald Kesja and in 1136 crusaded against pagan Rügen, forcing Arkona to surrender by cutting off its water. In 1137 a nobleman slew him with a spear at the Urnehoved assembly.