Saint Eric IX of Sweden

Saint Erik (c. 1125 – 18 May 1160), also called Eric IX or Erik Jedvardsson was King of Sweden from c. 1156 until his death in 1160. The Roman Martyrology of the Catholic Church names him as a saint memorialized on 18 May. He was the founder of the House of Erik, which ruled Sweden with interruptions from c. 1156 to 1250. As later kings from the House of Erik were consistently buried at Varnhem Abbey near Skara in Västergötland, Erik's family is considered to have Geatish roots like other medieval ruling houses in Sweden. Osteological investigations of Erik's remains suggest that he may have lived the last 10–15 years of his life in Västergötland rather than in Uppland where he died. On the other hand, the only manor he is known to have possessed is situated in Västmanland in Svealand. Eriksberg in central Västergötland has been suggested as the original family manor. Erik had a brother whose name began with a "J"; this brother has been identified with a Joar Jedvardsson. This in turn fits with King Sverre's Saga, which refers to "Eirik the Saint, son of Jatvard". Late medieval Swedish tradition likewise knows the king by the name Erik Jedvardsson. The name of the father, Jedvard (Edward), is not Scandinavian and may point to English missionary influence. According to 14th-century tradition, Erik's mother was Cecilia, a daughter of King Blot-Sweyn. This information is disputed, however. No contemporary sources with information about Erik have been found, and the first written mention of him is in a letter during the reign of his son Knut Eriksson. The letter refers to Erik as "King of the Swedes"; the only full account of Erik's life is a hagiographical legend dating from the late 13th century. The historicity of the legend has been much-discussed by Swedish historians. It tells that Erik was of royal blood and was unanimously chosen king of Sweden when there was a vacancy of the kingship.