His succession led to a period of civil war between Sweyn III, Canute V, and Valdemar I. Eric was born on Funen.

Not much is known of Eric's kingship;[2] there is much disagreement among contemporary chroniclers about his personality, and he is portrayed both as a passive and irresolute man, but also as an eager and brave fighter.

Olaf established a power base in Scania in 1139 and tried to usurp the throne from there, but Eric defeated and killed him in 1141 near Helsingborg.

[4] He worked to aggrandize the church, especially St. Canute's Abbey in Odense,[2] and had a close relationship with bishop Eskil of Roskilde.

This is taken either to reference the Lamb of God as he was seen as a pious man,[1] and to describe his mildhearted and generous nature;[4] or to indicate a weak and soft king.