Niels of Denmark

Niels (c. 1063–1134), youngest son of Sweyn II Estridsson, was elected king of Denmark in 1104 after his brother Eric Evergood died on pilgrimage. In 1105 he married Margaret Fredkulla, daughter of King Inge I of Sweden, who held strong influence at court. He backed the canonization of Canute IV the Holy and ruled with the clergy's support.

After his son Magnus murdered the popular prince Canute Lavard in 1131, Niels supported him, sparking civil war. Defeated at Fotevik in 1134, he fled to Schleswig and was killed there on 25 June.