King of Denmark and Norway from 1523 to 1533, known for his attempts to unify Denmark and Norway under a single rule. He also played a significant role in the Protestant Reformation in Denmark.
Frederick I of Denmark, also known as Frederik I, was the King of Denmark and Norway from 1523 to 1533, and the last Catholic monarch to reign over both countries. He is most notable for never having visited Norway during his reign, and was instead styled as the "King of Denmark, the Vends and the Goths, elected King of Norway."
Born on October 7, 1471, Frederick was the younger son of Christian I of Denmark, Norway, and Sweden, and Dorothea of Brandenburg. His father's death soon after his birth led to his election as co-Duke of Schleswig and Holstein in 1482, alongside his elder brother, King John of Denmark.
In 1490, Frederick reached his majority, and the duchies were divided between him and his brother. In 1500, he convinced his brother to conquer Dithmarschen, but the expedition failed miserably in the Battle of Hemmingstedt, resulting in the loss of one-third of all knights of Schleswig and Holstein.
In 1513, Frederick was offered the throne of Denmark, but he declined, believing that the majority of the Danish nobility would be loyal to his nephew, Christian II. However, in 1523, Christian was forced to abdicate, and Frederick took the throne of Denmark, and was later elected King of Norway in 1524.
Frederick's reign marked the beginning of the enduring tradition of calling kings of Denmark alternatively by the names Christian and Frederick. During his reign, he faced opposition from the Protestant Reformation, which eventually led to the country's transition to Lutheranism.
Despite never visiting Norway, Frederick's reign had a significant impact on the country. He was elected King of Norway in 1524, and his reign marked the beginning of a new era in Norwegian history.
Frederick's personal life is somewhat of a mystery. It is not certain that he ever learned to speak Danish, and very little is known about his relationships and personal milestones.
Frederick's legacy is complex and multifaceted. On one hand, he was the last Catholic monarch to reign over Denmark and Norway, and his reign marked the beginning of a new era in both countries' histories. On the other hand, his failure to visit Norway and his lack of connection with the Norwegian people have led some to question his legitimacy as a ruler.
Despite these criticisms, Frederick's impact on Danish and Norwegian history cannot be denied. He played a significant role in shaping the course of both countries' histories, and his legacy continues to be felt to this day.
Born in 1749
King of Denmark and Norway from 1766 to 1808, known for his mental health issues and scandals, which led to a regency that ruled in his place.
Born in 1749
King of Denmark and Norway from 1766 to 1808, known for his mental health issues and scandals, which led to a regency that ruled in his place.
Born in 1609
King of Denmark and Norway from 1648 to 1670, known for establishing absolute monarchy and modernizing Denmark's administration.
Born in 1511
Queen consort of Denmark and Norway, married to Christian III, played a significant role in promoting the Lutheran Reformation and was a patron of the arts. She was a strong advocate for education and women's rights.
Born in 1554
French queen who married Louis XV and became a powerful queen consort, known for her beauty, fashion sense, and lavish lifestyle. She was a trendsetter and cultural icon of her time.
