Engelbrekt

Engelbrekt (c. 1390 – 1436) was a Swedish nobleman and military leader who played a significant role in the Swedish War of Independence against Denmark. Born into a noble family, Engelbrekt's early life is shrouded in mystery, but he is believed to have been educated in Germany and France. His political career began in the late 1420s, when he was elected to the Swedish Riksdag, the national parliament, to represent the province of Småland. Engelbrekt's political views were progressive for his time, advocating for greater autonomy for the Swedish provinces and the rights of the common people. He was also a strong supporter of the Catholic Church, which was a significant factor in his political influence. Engelbrekt's military career began in 1434, when he led a rebellion against the Danish king, Eric of Pomerania. The rebellion was successful, and Engelbrekt was elected as the leader of the Swedish army. He went on to defeat the Danes at the Battle of Brunkeberg in 1436, which is considered the beginning of Sweden's independence from Denmark. Engelbrekt's legacy is complex and controversial. While he is celebrated as a national hero in Sweden, his political views and methods have been criticized by some historians. Despite this, Engelbrekt remains an important figure in Swedish history, and his story continues to be told and retold in Swedish culture.