Asser Rig (c. 1078–1151) was a jarl and chieftain from Zealand, Denmark,[1] a son of Skjalm Hvide (before 1045 – c. 1113)[2] and Signe Asbjørnsdatter (c. 1050 – c. 1096).
[3][4] Asser married Inger Eriksdotter (c. 1100–1157),[5] the daughter of Eric, the Jarl of Falster, and Princess Cecilia Knutsdatter, a daughter of King Canute IV of Denmark (c. 1042 – 10 July 1086), the first Danish king (1080–1086) to be canonized, recognized by the Roman Catholic Church as Patron Saint of Denmark in 1101.
[5] They gave birth to Absalon (c. 1128–1201), who became a powerful warrior leader and main advisor to Danish kings, and also Bishop of Roskilde and later Archbishop of Lund.
[5] In this era, the Danes were also being threatened by the Wends who were making raids across the Danish border and by sea.
[9] Among other things, Absalon was responsible for Valdemar I winning the over 10 years long Danish civil war.