Martha Leijonhufvud, Swedish noblewoman (b. 1520)

Martha Eriksdotter Leijonhufvud (born 24 December 1520 in Ödeby Lillkyrka, Ekeberg, Närke – died 15 January 1584 in Stegeholm) was a profoundly influential and politically active Swedish noblewoman of the 16th century. Widely known by her evocative nickname, Kung Märta, meaning 'King Martha', she earned this moniker due to her extraordinary political clout and decisive actions that significantly shaped the course of Swedish history, challenging the traditional roles for women of her era.

Her life was deeply intertwined with the highest echelons of Swedish power through a complex web of familial connections. Martha was the sister of Queen Margaret Leijonhufvud, the second consort of King Gustav I of Sweden, who was the founder of the powerful Vasa dynasty and the architect of modern Sweden. This made Martha a direct sister-in-law to King Gustav I himself. Furthermore, her familial reach extended to the next generation of royalty; she was the maternal aunt of Queen Catherine Stenbock, who became King Gustav I's third wife after Margaret's passing. This intricate lineage placed Martha at the very heart of the royal court and the nation's political landscape. Adding another layer of historical significance, Martha was also the daughter-in-law of the formidable Christina Gyllenstierna, the revered regent and national heroine who famously led the Swedish resistance against the Danes in the early 16th century after the death of her husband, Sten Sture the Younger.

The Power Behind the Throne: Why "Kung Märta"?

The nickname "Kung Märta" was not merely a casual epithet but a recognition of her unique status and influence, suggesting that her power rivalled that of a monarch. This was particularly remarkable in a patriarchal society where women rarely held direct political authority. Her influence stemmed not only from her noble birth and strategic marriages – she was married to Svante Sture the Younger, son of Christina Gyllenstierna, a union that further solidified her position within the powerful Sture family – but also from her sharp intellect, strong will, and ability to navigate the treacherous political waters of the Vasa era.

A Catalyst for Change: The Deposition of Eric XIV

Martha Leijonhufvud played a pivotal and direct role in one of the most significant political upheavals in 16th-century Sweden: the deposition of King Eric XIV. Eric XIV, the eldest son of Gustav I, ascended to the throne in 1560 but quickly proved to be an erratic and increasingly unstable ruler. His reign was marked by paranoia, mental illness, and a growing conflict with the nobility, culminating in the infamous "Sture Murders" of 1567. In this horrific event, Eric XIV, in a fit of rage and paranoia, personally ordered the execution of several prominent noblemen, including Martha’s husband, Svante Sture the Younger, and two of her sons, Nils and Erik Sture. This devastating personal tragedy deeply fueled Martha's resolve against the king.

In 1568, driven by personal grief and a shared desire among the nobility to stabilize the realm, Martha Leijonhufvud took the extraordinary step of financing the deposition of King Eric XIV. Her financial contributions and political leverage were crucial in backing the revolt led by her nephew, John, Duke of Finland (later King John III). This decisive action led to Eric XIV's overthrow and imprisonment, effectively ending his tumultuous reign and paving the way for John III to ascend the Swedish throne. Her willingness to invest considerable personal wealth and political capital underscores the depth of her influence and her central role in this regnal change.

Legacy of a Powerful Noblewoman

Martha Leijonhufvud's life exemplifies the power and agency that could be wielded by aristocratic women in early modern Europe, especially those with strategic family alliances. Her actions not only avenged a personal tragedy but also profoundly altered the succession of the Swedish monarchy, securing her place as a true "King Martha" in the annals of Swedish history.

Frequently Asked Questions About Martha Leijonhufvud

Who was Martha Eriksdotter Leijonhufvud?

Martha Eriksdotter Leijonhufvud was a highly influential Swedish noblewoman (1520–1584) known as "Kung Märta" (King Martha) for her significant political power and instrumental role in Swedish dynastic changes in the 16th century.

Why was she called "Kung Märta"?

Her nickname, meaning 'King Martha', was a testament to her immense political influence and authority, which was so substantial that it was perceived to rival that of a monarch, particularly evident in her financing of a royal deposition.

What were her key family connections?

She was the sister of Queen Margaret Leijonhufvud (King Gustav I's second wife), sister-in-law to King Gustav I, maternal aunt to Queen Catherine Stenbock (King Gustav I's third wife), and daughter-in-law to the renowned regent Christina Gyllenstierna.

What was her role in the deposition of King Eric XIV?

Martha Leijonhufvud was a key financier and supporter of the rebellion that led to the overthrow of King Eric XIV in 1568. This was partly motivated by the murder of her husband and two sons during the "Sture Murders" orchestrated by Eric XIV.

Who succeeded Eric XIV with Martha Leijonhufvud's support?

Her nephew, John III, Duke of Finland, ascended to the Swedish throne after Eric XIV's deposition, largely due to the critical support and financing provided by Martha Leijonhufvud.