Valdemar the Great
| Valdemar I | |
|---|---|
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| King of Denmark contested by Sweyn III until 1157 | |
| Reign | 1154-12 May 1182 |
| Predecessor | Canute V Sweyn III |
| Successor | Canute VI |
| Regent | Canute V |
| Born | 14 January 1131 |
| Died | 12 May 1182 (age 51) Vordingborg |
| Burial | |
| Issue | Sophia of Weimar-Orlamünde Canute VI Maria Margaret Valdemar the Victorious Ingeborg of France Helena of Brunswick-Lüneburg Rikissa of Sweden Walburgis of Pomerania |
| House | Estridsen |
| Father | Canute Lavard of Jutland |
| Mother | Ingeborg of Kiev |
Valdemar the Great (14 January 1131-12 May 1182) was King of Denmark from 1154 until his death, his reign improved the rise of Denmark.
Valdemar den Store father was murdered by Magnus the Strong days before his birth; Valdemar was raised in the court of White clan at Ringsted. In 1146, Eric III of Denmark suddenly died and a civil war began, Sweyn III and Canute V declared themselves King. In 1154, Valdemar joined with Canute and was recognised as co-ruler along with Canute.
Canute was killed at the Bloodfeast of Roskilde in August 1157, Sweyn was defeated by Valdemar in the Battle of Grathe Heath 2 months later. Valdemar built Sønderborg Castle as a fortress in als (island), he died in May 1182.