Eric I of Denmark

Eric I
Coin of Eric the Good
King of Denmark
Reign	1095–1103
Predecessor	Olaf I
Successor	Niels
Born	c. 1060 Slangerup, Denmark
Died	10 July 1103 (aged 42–43) Paphos, Cyprus
Burial	Chrysopolitissa Basilica, Paphos, Cyprus
Consort	Boedil Thurgotsdatter
Issue	Canute Lavard Harald Kesja Eric II of Denmark
House	Estridsen
Father	Sweyn II of Denmark
Religion	Roman Catholicism

Eric I (c. 1060 – 10 July 1103), also known as Eric the Good, (Danish: Erik Ejegod), was King of Denmark following his brother Olaf I Hunger in 1095. He was a son of Sweyn II. His mother's identity is unknown. He married Boedil Thurgotsdatter.

Eric was born in the town of Slangerup in North Zealand. During the rule of his half-brother Canute IV he was an eager supporter of the king, but he was spared during the rebellion against Canute IV. Eric remained at the royal farm instead of accompanying Canute IV to St Albans priory in Odense where Canute IV was killed. Eric talked his way off the farm and fled to Zealand then fled to Scania which was part of Denmark at the time. Olaf I Hunger was elected King of Denmark, but his reign was short. At last Eric was elected as a king at the several landsting assemblies in 1095. Eric was well liked by the people and the famines that had plagued Denmark during Olaf Hunger's reign ceased. For many it seemed a sign from God that Eric was the right king for Denmark.

Medieval chroniclers, such as Saxo Grammaticus, and myths portrayed Eric a “strapping fellow” appealing to the common people. He could keep his place when four men tried their best to move him. Eric was a good speaker, people went out of their way to hear him. After a ting assembly concluded, he went about the neighborhood greeting men, women and children at their homesteads. He had a reputation as a loud man who liked parties and who led a rather dissipated private life. Though a presumed supporter of a strong centralized royal power, he seems to have behaved like a diplomat avoiding any clash with the magnates. He had a reputation for being ruthless to robbers and pirates.