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AbelKing of Denmark from 1250. Duke of Schleswig from 1232. Son of the Danish King Valdemar II and Princess Berengaria of Portugal. Brother of the Danish Kings Eric IV and Christopher I.
Country:
 Denmark |
Content:
- Early Life and Rise to Power
- Suspected Involvement in Eric IV's Assassination
- Reign and Conflict in Friesland
- Succession Crisis and Aftermath
- Descendants and Legacy
- Modern Reference
Early Life and Rise to Power
Abel was born as the son of King Valdemar II of Denmark and Princess Berengaria of Portugal. He became the Duke of Schleswig in 1232 and was crowned King of Denmark in 1250 after the death of his brother, Eric IV.
Suspected Involvement in Eric IV's Assassination
Eric IV was allegedly killed by Abel's men, leading to suspicions that Abel had ordered the assassination. Despite Abel's vow of innocence, many believed that he was responsible for his brother's death.
Reign and Conflict in Friesland
Abel's reign lasted only 1.5 years alongside his wife, Mechtilde of Holstein. In 1252, he launched a punitive expedition against Friesland, where he was killed in battle on June 29th.
Succession Crisis and Aftermath
Abel's death sparked a succession crisis, with his young son Valdemar being held for ransom by the Archbishop of Cologne. His younger brother, Christopher I, became King of Denmark, crowned in 1252. Mechtilde remarried Birger Jarl in 1261.
Descendants and Legacy
Abel's descendants ruled over southern Jutland until 1375, often in conjunction with their Holstein relatives. They posed a persistent challenge to the Danish monarchy due to their separatist tendencies.
Modern Reference
An unrelated individual named Rudolf Abel became known in the 20th century as a Soviet spy using the alias "Abel" due to his resemblance to the Danish king.
