Birger Jarl

Birger Jarl
Birger Jarl
	Birger, depicted in a corbel in Varnhem Church, wears a ducal coronet that fuses Norwegian and continental styles with English influences.
Jarl of Sweden
Tenure	c. 1248 – 1266
Monarchs	Erik Eriksson; Valdemar Birgersson;
Predecessor	Ulf Fase
Born	c. 1210; probably in Östergötland
Died	21 October 1266; Jälbolung, Västergötland
Buried	Varnhem Abbey, Västergötland
Spouse(s)	Ingeborg Eriksdotter of Sweden; Mechtilde of Holstein;
Issue	Rikissa, Queen of Norway; Valdemar, King of Sweden; Kristina Birgersdotter; Magnus, King of Sweden; Erik Birgersson; Bengt, Duke of Finland; Gregers Birgersson (illegitimate);
Parents	Magnus Minniskiöld; Ingrid Ylva;

Birger Jarl or Birger Magnusson (c. 1210 – 21 October 1266) was a Swedish statesman and regent, jarl, and a member of the House of Bjälbo, who played a pivotal role in consolidating Sweden after the civil wars between the House of Erik and the House of Sverker. His first marriage was to Princess Ingeborg of Sweden, which created his base of power. Birger led the Second Swedish Crusade, which established Swedish rule in Finland. Additionally, he is traditionally attributed with the foundation of the Swedish capital, Stockholm, around 1250. Birger used the Latin title of dux sveorum et guttorum ("duke of Swedes and Geats").