Origins & Early Life

Erik of Pomerania (c. 1381/1382 – 24 September 1459) ruled over the Kalmar Union from 1396 until 1439. He was initially co-ruler with his great-aunt Margaret I until her death in 1412. Erik is known as Erik III as King of Norway (1389–1442), Erik VII as King of Denmark (1396–1439) and has been called Erik XIII as King of Sweden (1396–1434, 1436–39).

Pivotal Works & Achievements

Erik was ultimately deposed from all three kingdoms of the union, but in 1449 he inherited one of the partitions of the Duchy of Pomerania and ruled it as duke until his death in 1459. His epithet of Pomerania was a pejorative intended to insinuate that he did not belong in Scandinavia. Erik was born in either 1381 or 1382 in Darłowo (formerly Rügenwalde), Pomerania, Poland. Named Bogusław (Bogislaw) at birth, he was the son of Wartislaw VII, Duke of Pomerania, and Maria of Mecklenburg-Schwerin. Bogislaw's great-aunt Margaret I, who ruled the kingdoms of Denmark, Norway, and Sweden, wanted her realm to be unified and peaceful, and so made provisions in the event of her death.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

She chose Bogislaw as her heir and successor. In 1389, Bogislaw was brought to Denmark to be raised by Queen Margaret. His name was changed...

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