10 Facts About Horik II

Horik II, known as Harik or, in late sources, Erik Barn, was King of the Danes from the fall of Horik I in 854 to an unknown date between 864 and 873.

Horik II was probably not the son of Horik I, but a close relative, perhaps a nephew or grandson of the old king.

The old Horik II I had been friendly disposed to Ansgar, Archbishop of Hamburg-Bremen, and allowed the construction of a church in Hedeby.

Now Hovi Jarl was expelled from Hedeby by Horik II, who opened friendly relations with the East Frankish kingdom, as his predecessor Horik II I had done before him.

Horik II was guided by a relative called Burghard who had been influential during Horik II I's reign and was well disposed to Ansgar.

Horik II was persuaded by Ansgar to reopen the ruined church and donated land for a new church at Ribe.

Horik II even allowed the Christians in Hedeby to ring church bells for the first time, much to the disgust of the non-Christians who believed the bells would frighten off the land spirits and ruin the harvest.

The Pope wrote that Horik II had made a promise to God and Saint Peter and hoped he would continue in the steps of Cornelius the Centurion.

Horik II was known to the 11th century chronicler Adam of Bremen.

Horik II married a daughter of Guttorm and sired a son called Canute, ancestor of the later kings.