Herluf Trolle

Herluf Trolle (14 January 1516 – 25 June 1565) was a Danish naval hero, Admiral of the Fleet and co-founder of Herlufsholm

Herluf Trolle was born at Lillö, Scania into the high noble Trolle line of Swedish-origin. He was son of Kirsten Herlufsdatter Skave and Sir Joachim Arvidsen Trolle, Lord of Lilloe; grandson of justiciar Arvid Trolle, Lord of Bergkvara, and the latter's second wife Beate Iversdatter of the Thott, heiress of Lilloe and daughter of lord Iver Axelsen of the Thott, fiefholder of the island of Gulland.

At the age of nineteen Trolle went to Vor Frue Skole at Copenhagen, subsequently completing his studies at Wittenberg University from 1536-1537. Here he adopted the views of Philipp Melanchthon, with whom he was in intimate correspondence for some years.

His marriage with Birgitte, the daughter of Lord High Treasurer Mogens Gøye, brought him a rich inheritance, and in 1557 he was summoned to the membership of the High Council of Denmark. Both Christian III and Frederik II had a very high opinion of Trolle's trustworthiness and ability and employed him in various diplomatic missions. Herluf Trolle was, indeed, richly endowed by nature, and his handsome face and lively manners made him popular everywhere. His one enemy was his wife's nephew Peder Oxe, the subsequently distinguished finance minister, whose narrow grasping ways, especially as the two men were near neighbors, did not contribute towards family harmony. It was Trolle whom Frederik II appointed to investigate the charges of malversation brought against Oxe. Both Trolle and his wife were far renowned for their piety and good works, and their whole household had to conform to their example or seek service elsewhere.

A man of culture, moreover, he translated David's 31st Psalm into Danish verse. He also promoted literature and learning by educating poor students both at home and abroad, endowing Latin schools and encouraging historical research.

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