Thora Johnsdottir (fl. 1000s)

views updated

Thora Johnsdottir (fl. 1000s)

Associated with two kings. Flourished in the 1000s; concubine or wife of Harald III Haardrade (1015–1066), king of Norway (r. 1047–1066); became second wife of Svend II Estridsen (d. 1076), also known as Sweyn Estridsen, king of Denmark (r. 1047–1074); children: (with Harald III) Magnus II Bareleg, king of Norway (r. 1066–1069); Olaf III Kyrri (the Peaceful), king of Norway (r. 1066–1093); (with Svend II) Ingirid (fl. 1067, illeg.), queen of Norway.

There are 16 children attributed to Svend II, who had four wives or paramours (Gunhild of Norway, Gyde, Elizabeth of Kiev , and Thora Johnsdottir). Any one of the four could be the mother of Svend's royal offspring: Harald Hén, king of Denmark (r. 1074–1080); St. Knud or Canute the Holy, king of Denmark (r. 1080–1086); and Oluf or Olaf Hunger, king of Denmark (r. 1086–1095).