The death of Eric II, as told…
July 1137 CE
The death of Eric II, as told by Arild Huitfeldt, a seventeenth century Danish historian and state official, known for his vernacular Chronicle of Denmark:
A harsh and unpopular ruler, Eric died at Urnehoved landsting in 1137.
King Eric was struck down by a local nobleman, Sorte Plov.
According to legend, Sorte Plov asked permission to approach the king, carrying a spear in his hand with a block of wood protecting the tip.
Having deemed that King Eric wore no mail underneath his tunic, Sorte Plov kicked off the protection, and drove his spear right through the king.
King Eric's nephew Erik Håkonssøn stepped forward with sword in hand, but the nobleman told him to calm down, seeing as how he—Erik —was next in line for the throne, being the only adult male in the royal family: "Put away thine mace, young Erik.
A juicy piece of meat hath fallen in thine bowl!"
According to legend, Sorte Plov escaped with his life.
Eric, killed on July 18, 1137, is buried at Ribe Cathedral.
His son Erik Håkonssøn is now crowned Eric III of Denmark.
Sometime before 1130, Eric had married Malmfred of Kiev, the daughter of Grand Duke Mstislav I of Kiev and Christina Ingesdotter of Sweden.
Malmfrid was the former wife of King Sigurd I of Norway.
With his concubine Thunna, Eric has an illegitimate son Sweyn, who will later become king as Sweyn III of Denmark.