Denmark’s Bloody Civil War of 1131–1157

The Danish Civil War turned brother against brother and uncle against nephew in the bloodiest

family feud medieval Europe had ever seen. For twenty six years, Denmark tore itself

apart as royal cousins murdered each other for the crown. Denmark in 1131 looked nothing like

the peaceful nation we know today. This was a land where royal blood meant nothing if

you couldn't hold a sword, and family loyalty died the moment someone whispered

the word crown. It started in 1131 when King Niels ruled alongside his son Magnus.

But their cousin Knud Lavard had grown too popular, too powerful. Magnus invited Knud

to a friendly meeting in the forest. They embraced like family. Then Magnus struck