Christopher, Duke of Lolland

Who is Christopher, Duke of Lolland?

Christopher, Duke of Lolland was the son of King Valdemar IV of Denmark and his wife Helvig of Schleswig. Christopher was appointed in 1359 as Duke of Lolland and also was selected to succeed as king.

He was first mentioned in 1354-55, and in 1358 was sent by his father to Nyborg to negotiate with representatives of the rebellious Jutes. He became involved in government decisions, and was appointed Duke of Lolland. He also entitled himself as the True Heir of Danes and Slavs. Christopher actively participated in the war for reconquest of Scania which his father had initiated. Christopher was injured during the Battle of Helsingborg in 1362. German chronicles are not clear about what weapon inflicted the prince's mortal wound, but according to Swedish Henrik Smith's chronicle from the early 1500s Christopher was hit by a rock while fighting at sea. According to Nordisk familjebok, Christopher was shot in the head with a rock and subsequently suffered from a mental disorder.

Christopher died from an illness the following year in Copenhagen. Although his death is often attributed to his war wounds it is unknown to what extent his injuries actually contributed to the illness.