Canute was born around 1129, the son of
Magnus the Strong and his consort
Richeza of Poland. After the abdication of
Eric III in 1146, the magnates of
Jutland declared Canute king, while the magnates of
Zealand and
Scania crowned
Sweyn III, Sweyn and his cousin
Duke Valdemar, the son of Canute Lavard, defeated Canute in Jutland in 1150, and Canute fled to his father-in-law
Sverker I of Sweden. Canute attempted a number of reconquests, all of them unsuccessful, and turned to
Frederick Barbarossa for help. The resulting compromise of 1152, which was supported by Valdemar, made Canute the inferior
co-regent of Sweyn. However, Sweyn decided not to effectuate the deal. Sweyn, Canute, and Valdemar were set up as co-rulers, with Canute ruling Zealand. During the peace banquet in
Roskilde on 9 August 1157, later known as the
Bloodfeast of Roskilde, Sweyn attempted to kill both Canute and Valdemar. Canute was allegedly killed by one of Sweyn's warriors. Canute's half-sister
Sofia of Minsk married Valdemar, who avenged him the same year by killing Sweyn at the
Battle of Grathe Heath to win Denmark for himself. ==Issue==