Full resolution (TIFF) - On this page / på denna sida - V. Later Catholic Period in Sweden - E. Sverre, One of Norway’s Greatest Kings - F. Reign of Magnus Ericsson
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Sverre of Norway 75
ty men, Sverre would attempt to win a crown. This
occurred in the year 1177.
Horrible hardships the Birchlegs had to endure. At
times during the winter their only means of subsist-
ence were berries found under the snow. But Sverre
led them to victories, and their numbers increased.
Finally he won a decisive victory over his antagonist,
the king, and ascended Norway’s throne.
His Services As King. He crushed the power of the
great families and strengthened that of the crown. His
aim for Norway was a strong royal power and a free
peasantry. Nearly his whole reign was a continuous
struggle to maintain this aim. The powerful bishops
made common cause with the old families. Twice was
Sverre placed under the papal ban. But he did not
yield. He was widely known for his wisdom and coun-
sel. He had a high estimate of himself ; in his seal was
the legend, "The Great King Sverre, fierce as a lion,
gentle as a lamb." Even his enemies admitted that it
would be long before Norway would have another king
like him. He is generally regarded as Norway’s great-
est king. He died in the year 1202.
His descendants in successive reigns continued his
policies under more favorable circumstances. When
Sverre’s last male descendant, King HSkan, died in
1319, the Norwegian crown passed to his daughter’s
son, Magnus Ericsson of Sweden.
F. THE REIGN OP MAGNUS ERICSSON
The Union of Sweden and Norway. The three-year-
old Magnus Ericsson inherited the crown of Norway
through his mother, in 1319, and was elected king of
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