King Canute Trivia Quiz

Answer: Sweyn Forkbeard

Canute was the son of Sweyn Forkbeard, the most feared Norseman of his time. Harald Bluetooth was Canute's grandfather, Gorm the Old was his great-grandfather, and Hardicanute his great-great-grandfather. Gorm the Old is considered the first king of Denmark.

Answer: He divided the entire country into four parts

According to the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle, in 1017 AD, Canute divided the country into four military zones: Wessex, East Anglia, Mercia, and Northumbria. Originally, the three main earls ruling England were Thorkell the Tall, Eadric Streona, and Erik of Norway. Canute governed Wessex personally. Over the course of his reign, other earls and earldoms would appear in charters.

Answer: Aelfgifu and Emma

Aelfgifu, technically Canute's concubine, was a Saxon lady who belonged to a very powerful family. She bore him two sons, Sweyn and Harold Harefoot. Harold Harefoot ruled England for five years as Harold I.

Canute's official wife was Emma of Normandy. She had previously been the wife of Aethelred the Unready, Canute's defeated foe. Canute and Emma had two children: Hardicanute and Gunhilda. Hardicanute became the king of England after Harold Harefoot's death.

Answer: His older brother died without an heir

While Canute had been helping his father conquer England, Denmark had been left to the care of Canute's older brother Harald. In 1019 AD, Harald died and apparently left no viable heir. Canute swiftly traveled to his homeland, and claimed Denmark as his birthright.

He found little opposition and peacefully acceded to the Danish throne. England, however, remained his primary home and the seat of his power.

Answer: Earl Godwin

Earl Godwin rose from obscure beginnings to become one of the most powerful men in England. While he was a major player in Canute's England, he later became the man who controlled three other kings: Harold I, Hardicanute, and Edward the Confessor. His sons all became great earls, and his daughter married King Edward the Confessor.

Answer: He was in love with Canute's wife

Ulf, a member of the Danish royal family through his father, was married to Canute's sister Estrith. He rebelled against Canute by trying to appoint Canute's son as the King of Denmark without Canute's consent. At the same time, he fought alongside the Swedes and Norwegians against Canute. Legend has it that Canute ordered one of his housecarls (bodyguards) to kill Ulf in a church!

Answer: Because of Olaf's harsh, autocratic rule

Olaf the Stout, a natural choice for the kingship of Norway, was an austere Christian and harsh ruler. The Norwegians had long been used to independence, and did not appreciate his forceful methods. When Canute sailed along the coast of Norway, offering both money and a less restrictive rule, he found many Norwegians ready to betray Olaf.

After this success, Canute became the most powerful king in Northern Europe.

Answer: The Emperor's military support for future campaigns

Canute was received as an equal by all of the princes in Christendom, and especially by the Holy Roman Emperor. He attended the Emperor's coronation as an honored guest. Canute wrote a remarkable letter to his subjects during his pilgrimage, in which he described the respect he was given by all of the highest men in the land.

The Emperor presented Canute with magnificent gifts, and agreed to help Canute's merchants and subjects enjoy easier conditions while in Rome.

Answer: He never lost his kingship

Canute was fortunate to rule for nearly twenty years in peace. His hold over England was so strong that he was able to leave the country for multiple trips to Denmark, Norway, Scotland, and even Rome. His constant traveling demonstrated his confidence in the loyalty of his subjects.

Answer: Natural causes

Historian Frank Stenton stated that he "came in like a lion, and went out like a lamb". He died peacefully in 1035 AD, but his surviving sons, Harold and Hardicanute, fought over his legacy. The amazing empire that Canute had built did not survive long after his death.