[4] When Lavard was murdered in 1131, Eric joined his half-brother Harald Kesja in a rebellion against the responsible king Niels of Denmark.

[5] Eric was elected Danish Antiking in Scania in April 1131, which prompted Kesja to support Niels in jealousy.

[2] Eric's army lost several battles against Niels and his son Magnus the Strong,[5] including Jelling in Jutland in 1131 and Værbro on Zealand, and he fled to Scania.

[3] Eric unsuccessfully tried to convince Lothair III, Holy Roman Emperor to support his bid for kingship,[5] and had no luck asking Magnus IV of Norway for help.

Eric chased him down and killed Harald Kesja and his sons, of whom only Olaf Haraldsen escaped with his life.

He gave titles and privileges to his supporters, and proclaimed Archbishop Asser's nephew Eskil (c. 1100-1181), Bishop of the Diocese of Roskilde.

[5] Eric wanted to establish the divine right of kings, and canonizing Canute would support his claim on the throne.

[2] In the summer of 1136, Eric undertook a crusade against the pagan population on the Baltic island of Rügen and its capital Arkona.

[13] According to legend, Sorte Plov asked permission to approach the king, carrying a spear in his hand with a block of wood protecting the tip.