Eric XIV of Sweden - Definition and Overview

Erik XIV of Sweden (December 13, 1533–February 26, 1577) was the son of Gustav I of Sweden and Catherine of Saxe-Lauenburg. He was king of Sweden from 1560 until he was deposed in 1568. He was also ruler of Estonia, after it gave itself under Sweden in 1561. He died in prison, apparently of poisoning. A document signed by his brother John III of Sweden and a nobleman, Bengt Bengtsson Gylta, gave Eric's watchmen in his last prison authorization to poison him if anyone tried to release him. His body was later analyzed, and showed indications of poisoning.

Eric had several relationships before his marriage. With Agda Persdotter he had three daughters:

1. Virginia Eriksdotter (1559-1633) (living descendants)
2. Constantia Eriksdotter (1560-1649) (living descendants)
3. Lucretia Eriksdotter (1564-still alive 1574) died young.

With Karin Jacobsdotter:

1. An unmarried child, dead apr. 1565.

He finally married Karin Månsdotter (1550 - 1612), on July 4, 1568, their children were:

1. Sigrid (1566-1633) (born before the marriage)
2. Gustaf (1568-1607) (born before the marriage)
3. Henrik (1570-1574)
4. Arnold (1572-1573)

See also: History of Sweden - Foundation of Modern Sweden