Sven Forkbeard – Viking King of England, Denmark, and Norway
Sven Forkbeard (Sweyn Forkbeard, Svein Haraldsson) was a powerful Viking ruler and warrior who became King of Denmark (986–1014), Norway (1000–1014), and England (1013–1014). He was the first Viking king to successfully conquer England, though his reign was short-lived.
Early Life & Rise to Power
Born: Around 960 AD, son of King Harald Bluetooth of Denmark.
Rebellion Against His Father:
Sven rebelled against Harald Bluetooth, overthrowing him in 986 AD and becoming King of Denmark.
This likely involved allied support from Jarl Haakon of Norway and other Viking factions.
Viking Raids & Conquest of England
Raiding England:
From the 990s onward, Sven led large Viking raids against England, targeting cities like London, Exeter, and Norwich.
These attacks were partly in response to King Æthelred the Unready’s policy of paying the Vikings Danegeld (tribute) instead of fighting them.
In 1002, after the St. Brice’s Day Massacre, where Æthelred ordered the killing of Danes in England (including Sven’s sister or relatives), Sven intensified his campaigns.
Invasion & Conquest (1013 AD):
Sven launched a full-scale invasion of England, forcing Æthelred to flee to Normandy.
By late 1013, Sven was recognized as King of England, ruling from Gainsborough, Lincolnshire.
Sven’s Death & Legacy (1014 AD)
Sudden Death:
Sven died on 3 February 1014, just weeks after securing the English throne.
Cause of death is unclear—some sources say illness, while legends claim he was cursed and struck down in his sleep.
Aftermath:
His son, Cnut the Great, would later reclaim and rule England (1016–1035), establishing the North Sea Empire.
Sven’s brief reign marked the first time a Viking ruled all of England, setting the stage for later Danish dominance.
Sven Forkbeard – Wife & Children
Sven Forkbeard (Sweyn Forkbeard, Svein Haraldsson, c. 960–1014) was the King of Denmark, England, and Norway and the father of Cnut the Great. He had at least one confirmed wife and multiple children, who played major roles in Viking and European history.
Wife: Świętosława (Gunhild) – The Slavic Princess
Świętosława (also known as Gunhild) was likely the daughter of Mieszko I of Poland, the first ruler of Poland.
Some sources debate her existence, but she is commonly identified as Sven Forkbeard’s wife and the mother of his children.
In Scandinavian sagas, she is sometimes referred to as Sigrid the Haughty, though this is debated.
Children of Sven Forkbeard
Sven had at least two confirmed children who became powerful rulers:
Cnut the Great (c. 995–1035) – King of England, Denmark, and Norway
One of the most famous Viking rulers in history.
Conquered and ruled England (1016–1035), Denmark (1018–1035), and Norway (1028–1035), forming the North Sea Empire.
His rule marked a high point for Viking dominance in Europe.
B. Harald II of Denmark (died 1018) – King of Denmark (1014–1018)
Became King of Denmark after Sven’s death in 1014, but ruled only for a short time.
His rule ended in 1018, and Cnut the Great succeeded him, uniting Denmark and England under his rule.
Other Possible Children
Some sources suggest Sven may have had other daughters, possibly married into Scandinavian and Slavic noble families, but there is no definitive evidence.
Sven Forkbeard in modern Culture
Appears in historical fiction, including Bernard Cornwell’s The Last Kingdom series.
Featured in video games like Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, where his conquests influence the Viking world.
