Erik Magnusson (duke)

Erik Magnusson (c. 1282 – February 13, 1318) was a Swedish prince and duke of Södermanland. He was the second son of King Magnus Ladulås of Sweden and Helvig of Holstein.

Erik played a significant role in Swedish politics during the reigns of his elder brother, King Birger Magnusson. Unlike his brother, Erik was ambitious and sought to expand his own power. He allied himself with his younger brother, Duke Valdemar Magnusson, against Birger, leading to considerable internal strife and conflict within the Swedish kingdom.

In 1306, Erik and Valdemar imprisoned King Birger and Queen Martha, seizing control of the government. This act caused widespread unrest and eventually led to Birger's restoration in 1308, facilitated by Danish and Norwegian support. However, Erik and Valdemar continued to challenge Birger's rule.

Erik married Ingeborg Haakonsdatter, daughter of King Haakon V of Norway, in 1312. This marriage secured him a powerful ally and provided him with a strong base of support. He also received territory in Norway as part of the marriage agreement. Their son, Magnus Eriksson, later became King of both Sweden and Norway.

The ongoing conflict between the brothers eventually ended with a tragic event known as the Nyköping Banquet in December 1317. King Birger invited Erik and Valdemar to his castle in Nyköping under the guise of reconciliation. However, upon their arrival, they were imprisoned and subsequently died in captivity, presumably starved to death, in early 1318. Erik's death sparked a rebellion against Birger, ultimately leading to his deposition and the ascension of Erik's young son, Magnus Eriksson, to the throne. Erik Magnusson's actions and death were significant factors in the political instability of Sweden during the early 14th century and had a lasting impact on the future of the Swedish monarchy.