Magnus the Good

Magnus Olafsson was born around 1024, the illegitimate son of Saint Olaf. When his father was dethroned in 1028, Magnus and his mother Alfhild fled into exile. He returned to Norway in 1035 and took the crown at eleven years old. Seven years later, in 1042, he added Denmark to his rule. For five years he held both kingdoms, but on 25 October 1047 he died under circumstances no one recorded clearly. The dual realm split immediately: Harald Hardrada took Norway, Sweyn Estridsson took Denmark, and the union Magnus had managed dissolved with him.