1. Overview
Estrid Svendsdatter of Denmark, also known as Estrith or Astrith (c. 990/997 - 1057/1073), was a prominent Danish princess and titular queen whose political acumen and strategic actions significantly influenced the course of Danish history. While never a reigning monarch or a queen consort, she was uniquely recognized in Denmark as "Queen Estrid" during the reign of her son, a testament to her substantial status and influence. Estrid was the daughter of Sweyn Forkbeard, the King of Denmark, England, and Norway, and a half-sister to Cnut the Great, one of the most powerful rulers of the 11th century. Through her marriage to Ulf Jarl, she became the mother of Sweyn II Estridson, who later ascended to the Danish throne. Her pivotal role in her son's accession to the throne led to the naming of the subsequent ruling dynasty of Denmark, the Estrid dynasty, after her matronymic, which ruled from 1047 to 1412. Beyond her familial connections, Estrid was a notable patron of the church and is widely credited with establishing Denmark's first stone church, the precursor to Roskilde Cathedral. Her life reflects a powerful female figure who navigated complex political landscapes and left an enduring legacy on the Danish monarchy.
2. Early Life and Family Connections
Estrid's early life was marked by her distinguished royal lineage and a complex family structure, including debated maternal figures and strategic marital alliances that connected her to powerful European houses.
2.1. Birth and Early Life
Estrid Svendsdatter was born around 990 or 997. She was the daughter of Sweyn Forkbeard, who ruled as King of Denmark, England, and Norway. Her exact maternal lineage, however, is a subject of historical debate. One account suggests her mother was Gunhild of Wenden. Another theory, supported by some researchers, identifies her mother as Sigrid the Haughty, daughter of Skoglar Toste. If Sigrid was her mother, Estrid would be a half-sister to Olof Skötkonung, the King of Sweden, from Sigrid's previous marriage to Eric the Victorious. This perspective also posits that Estrid's other prominent half-siblings-Cnut the Great, Harald II of Denmark, and Świętosława-were the children of Sweyn Forkbeard and the Polish princess Gunhild, who was the daughter of Mieszko I of Poland. Her father, Sweyn Forkbeard, died in 1014.
2.2. Early Marriages and Controversies
Estrid reportedly entered into a brief initial marriage with an unnamed Russian prince, who some historians identify as Vsevolod Vladimirovich, the Prince of Volhynia, a son of Vladimir the Great, Grand Prince of Kiev. This marriage is believed to have ended with the Russian prince's death following the Rus' war after Grand Prince Vladimir's death in 1015.
Following her brother Cnut the Great's ascension to the English throne, he sought to strengthen alliances by arranging a marriage for Estrid with Robert I, Duke of Normandy, son of Richard II, Duke of Normandy. However, it remains uncertain whether this marriage ever actually took place. Ralph Glaber, in his Historiarum libri quinque, claims that an unnamed sister of Cnut indeed married Robert. Conversely, Adam of Bremen asserts that Estrid, whom he referred to as Margareta, married Richard II, and then subsequently married Ulf after Richard went to Jerusalem. This account is contradicted by the fact that Richard II never undertook a pilgrimage to Jerusalem, although Robert I did. Furthermore, Norman historical records do not mention any such marriage for either duke, leading historians to dispute whether it was a short-lived marriage, merely a betrothal, or a result of historical confusion.
2.3. Marriage to Ulf Jarl and Its Consequences
Despite the uncertainties surrounding her earlier marital arrangements, her brother Cnut eventually arranged a marriage between Estrid and Ulf Jarl, a powerful Danish earl and brother-in-law to Cnut. This union produced two notable sons: Sweyn II Estridson, who would later become King of Denmark, and Beorn Estrithson. However, the marriage was tragically cut short when Ulf Jarl was assassinated in 1026, an act carried out on Cnut's direct orders. Historical accounts suggest that Estrid may have even consented to her husband's murder, which would explain why she did not lose her powerful brother's trust. Instead, she was granted substantial landholdings by Cnut after Ulf's death, indicating her continued high standing and influence within the royal family despite the dramatic circumstances. Ulf Jarl's sister, Gytha Thorkelsdóttir, was married to Godwin, Earl of Wessex, firmly aligning their family with the influential Anglo-Scandinavian political faction.
3. Major Activities and Influence
Throughout her life, Estrid played a significant and active role beyond her royal lineage, exercising considerable political and social influence on Danish society and the monarchy.
3.1. Church Patronage and Roskilde Cathedral
Estrid was a fervent patron of the church, demonstrating her piety and influence through extensive donations. She is widely credited with the founding of Denmark's first stone church, which served as the precursor to the magnificent Roskilde Cathedral. This act marked a significant contribution to the development of religious infrastructure and architectural advancement in Denmark, cementing her legacy as a key figure in the early Christianization and organization of the Danish kingdom.
3.2. Support for Sweyn II's Accession
Estrid dedicated herself to the education of her children, entrusting her son, Sweyn, to the care of the church for his upbringing and intellectual development. Her political support was crucial in her son's eventual rise to power. In 1047, largely due to his descent from her royal lineage and her strategic backing, her son, Sweyn II, successfully claimed the throne of Denmark. Consequently, he became known by the matronymic Sven Estridssen (meaning 'son of Estrid'), a rare and significant acknowledgment of his mother's pivotal role in his legitimacy and accession. Although Sweyn II later sought to claim the English crown as a successor to Edward the Confessor, this claim was ultimately dismissed.
3.3. Status as Honorary Queen
Estrid held a unique and remarkable status within the Danish court. Despite never formally being a reigning monarch herself or a queen consort through marriage to a king, she was granted the honorary title of Queen (DronningDanish). This title was typically reserved for the king's spouse, underscoring the extraordinary recognition and respect she commanded. During her son Sweyn II's reign, she was widely known as "Queen Estrid," a testament to her significant influence and her standing within the realm, reflecting a position of power and authority that transcended mere familial connection.
4. Death and Burial Controversy
The circumstances surrounding Estrid's death and, particularly, her final resting place have been subjects of historical uncertainty and modern scientific inquiry.
4.1. Death
The exact date of Estrid's death remains unknown, but historical records provide a timeframe. It is confirmed that her funeral was officiated by William of Roskilde, who served as Bishop of Roskilde. Given that Bishop William held his office between 1057 and 1073, Estrid's death must have occurred no earlier than 1057 and no later than 1073.
4.2. Roskilde Cathedral Burial Dispute
For many centuries, it was widely believed that Estrid Svendsdatter was interred in the northeastern pier of Roskilde Cathedral, a grand edifice with which she had a strong historical connection due to her attributed role in its founding. However, this long-held belief was definitively disproved by a DNA test conducted in 2003. The genetic analysis revealed that the remains found at that location belonged to a woman who was significantly younger than Estrid, thus ruling out the possibility that they were hers. The prevailing modern theory now suggests that the inscription or sign on the pier, long associated with Estrid Svendsdatter, actually refers to Margareta Hasbjörnsdatter. Margareta was also known by the name Estrid and was the wife of Harald III Hen, who was the son of Estrid Svendsdatter's son, Sweyn Estridsen. This re-identification clarifies a historical misconception and highlights the complexities of verifying ancient burial sites.
5. Legacy and Dynastic Impact
Estrid Svendsdatter's influence extended far beyond her lifetime, profoundly shaping the trajectory of the Danish monarchy and leaving an indelible mark on its dynastic history.
5.1. Ancestor of the Estrid Dynasty
Estrid Svendsdatter's most enduring legacy is encapsulated in the naming of the Danish royal house that ruled from 1047 to 1412: the Estrid dynasty. This dynasty was named after her son, Sweyn II Estridson, who adopted the matronymic "Estridson" (son of Estrid) to underscore his legitimacy and connection to his influential mother's royal lineage. By giving rise to the line of kings that followed her, Estrid played a foundational role as a key figure in the lineage of the Danish royal house. Her strategic alliances, support for her son's education and ascension, and prominent standing within the Danish court made her a central progenitor, ensuring that her name and influence resonated throughout centuries of Danish rule.