Eric the Victorious

Eric the Victorious (Erik Segersäll, c. 945–c. 995) was the first independently attested Swedish king, ruling in Uppland from c. 970. His epithet comes from the Battle of Fýrisvellir near Uppsala, where saga tradition says he defeated his nephew Styrbjörn the Strong, who invaded with Danish and Jomsviking support.

The chronicler Adam of Bremen wrote that Eric invaded Denmark, drove out Sweyn Forkbeard and briefly ruled there. Baptized in Denmark but later back among the old gods, he probably founded Sigtuna and died c. 995, leaving his son Olof Skötkonung the throne.