by Mary Gindling

Created on: January 24, 2010   Last Updated: January 25, 2010

Though she ruled in the names of her husband and two sons, Margaret of Denmark accomplished more than many rulers. She united Scandinavia, successfully fought off challenges to her sons’ thrones, and remained popular with her people throughout her lifetime. Her diplomatic achievements are legendary, and she outmaneuvered some of the shrewdest rulers of her day.

Childhood

Little is known of Margaret’s childhood. Normally, little princesses were groomed to marry kings, so she was doubtless taught the skills a queen should bring to her husband. These would have included court etiquette, how to organize and run a royal household, reading and writing and needlework, among others.

At the age of six, Margaret was betrothed to Haakon, the king of Norway, in a move intended to thwart the designs of the German Mecklenburg dukes on the thrones of Scandinavia. The marriage also would end a struggle between her father, Valdemar IV, and King Magnus Erikson of Sweden and Norway, which had been renewed in 1360. Haakon VI was Magnus’ son, and the royal marriage would create a potential dynastic alliance between the two enemies. Magnus suffered a series of military reverses and was forced to suspend the war in 1363, opening the way for the royal marriage.

Margaret and Haakon were married in Copenhagen in April of 1363. Margaret was just ten years old. Soon after, Haakon and his father were defeated by Albert of Mecklenburg, who assumed the Swedish crown in 1364, ruling until 1389, and depriving Haakon VI of the Swedish throne. But Haakon managed to hold onto his Norwegian kingdom, and Margaret spent her youth there. In 1370, Margaret bore their only child, Olaf.

Margaret as Ruler

As Queen of Norway, it is widely acknowledged that it was Margaret who exercised Haakon’s authority. She seems to have been at her best when working behind the scenes, so when her father passed away in 1375, she had her son Olaf installed as the elected King of Denmark. The boy was not yet of age to rule in his own behalf, so Margaret ruled in his name. This arrangement was made official when she was granted the title of Regent of Norway and Denmark in 1380 following her husband’s death.

Olaf’s Death

Olaf’s death in 1387 could have resulted in the dissolution of the Scandinavian union. But Margaret exercised her legendary statesmanship to avert the potential crisis. Adopting her 8-year-old nephew Eric of Pomerania, she appointed him king of Norway, Sweden

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