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Shvarn DanilovichFourth Grand Duke of Lithuania (1267/1268-1269).
Country:
 Lithuania |
Content:
Biography of Shvarn Danilovich
Shvarn Danilovich was the fourth Grand Duke of Lithuania, reigning from 1267/1268 to 1269. He was born approximately in 1230, as the son of Prince Daniil Romanovich of Galicia and Anna Mstislavna of Smolensk, from the Galician branch of the Rurik dynasty. Shvarn's name is a rough variant of the name Ivan.
Early Life and Marriage
Shvarn grew up alongside his older brother, Lev, and participated in the events of 1245 when the Hungarians and Poles attacked Přemysl and Yaroslav. In 1255, he married the daughter of Mindovg, the Grand Duke of Lithuania. Shvarn supported his son, Voishelk, in a war against Mazovia. After Mindovg's death in 1264, Shvarn allied himself with Voishelk and his uncle Vasylko to seek revenge. Together, they helped Voishelk conquer significant parts of Lithuania and subdue the Nalshany and Dzyavoltva tribes.
Reign as Grand Duke
After Voishelk retired to a monastery, Shvarn became the Grand Duke of Lithuania. He inherited Holmshchina and Galich after the death of his father, King Daniil Romanovich, and shared these lands with his brother Lev. Shvarn requested Voishelk to rule jointly with him, but Voishelk adamantly refused. Following Voishelk's murder by Shvarn's brother, Lev Danilovich, Shvarn's position in Lithuania became precarious. The Lithuanian elite preferred a prince of Lithuanian ethnicity to rule, which threatened Shvarn's authority.
Death and Succession
In 1269, Shvarn died in the same year as his ally and uncle, Prince Vasylko Romanovich of Volhynia. The circumstances of Shvarn's death remain unknown, as it is uncertain whether he died naturally or was killed.
After Shvarn's death, Troyden came to power in Lithuania, while the possessions of Shvarn in Rus went to Lev Danilovich.
