The American Cyclopædia (1879)/Eric IX.

ERIC IX. (according to some historians, VIII.), king of Sweden, called after his death St. Eric, the son of “a good and wealthy yeoman” (in the words of an old Swedish chronicle) named Jedward, died May 18, 1160. His mother was Cecilia, sister of a former king. His wife was Christina, also of royal blood. He was elected to the throne of the Upper Swedes, or as it was called the “royal chair of Upsal,” in 1150. With a view to the spread of Christianity he undertook in 1157 a crusade against the heathen of Finland, and by transplanting Swedish colonists thither laid the foundation of the conquest of that country. On his return to Upsal he was attacked by a Danish prince, Magnus Henrikson, and in the battle that followed, at East Aras (modern Upsal), he fell covered with wounds. His virtues id the austerity of his life procured him the reputation of a saint; but he was never canonized. His rule, which at first extended only over Sweden proper (or Upper Sweden), after death of King Swerker in 1155 also embraced Gothland (Lower Sweden). The effigy St. Eric is preserved upon the arms of the city of Stockholm; and his remains are in the cathedral of Upsal.