| Ingeborg Eriksdotter | |
|---|---|
_seal.jpg) The seal of Princess Ingeborg of Sweden | |
| Born | c. 1212 |
| Died | 17 June 1254 |
| Spouse | Birger Jarl |
| Issue | |
| House | Erik |
| Father | Erik Knutsson |
| Mother | Rikissa of Denmark |
Ingeborg Eriksdotter (after 1214 – 17 June 1254) was a Swedish princess, daughter of KingErik Knutsson, eldest sibling of KingErik Eriksson, wife ofBirger Jarl, and mother of KingsValdemar andMagnus Ladulås.
Ingeborg was born the eldest daughter of KingErik Knutsson and his wifeRikissa of Denmark. Her parents married in 1210 and she was born at the earliest on 1214.[1] She lived during her youth in exile inDenmark after her brother had been deposed by his guardian and regent in 1229.[citation needed]
Sometime between 1235 and 1240 Ingeborg marriedBirger Magnusson of theHouse of Bjälbo, who supported her brotherErik Eriksson to reacquire the Swedish throne from the usurperKnut Långe. When JarlUlf Fase died in 1248, Birger was made theJarl of Sweden. He had almost as much power as the king himself, partially because of his royal wife Ingeborg.[1]
Princess Ingeborg bore many children to her husband Birger. In 1250, her brother Erik died without an heir and her eldest sonValdemar was chosen to succeed him on the throne. Valdemar was chosen partially because of his mother's royal lineage, and because his father belonged to theHouse of Sverker from his mother's side. During Valdemar's minority, Birger Jarl was made regent. Ingeborg thus became King's Mother and first lady of the royal court.[1]
Ingeborg is recorded to have inherited her brother Erik's private property upon his death, as his only living sibling. Even in her forties, she continued to give birth to children, and her death is believed to have occurred because of childbirth complications, possibly giving birth to twins.[citation needed]
The following children survived to adulthood:[1]
