He ruled jointly with his younger brother, Count Nicholas (d.

[citation needed] Henry was the elder son of Count Gerhard III and Sophia of Werle.

Henry was a major European player as a mercenary leader and a typical representative of the late medieval knighthood.

Count Henry II and his brother Nicholas vigorously defended their claims in Holstein and Schleswig, against Denmark and against the Frisians.

[citation needed] Henry was married twice:[1] His seal had the inscription: S (IGILLUM) * HINRICI * D (E) I * GRA (TIA) * COMIT (IS) * HOLTZACIE * STORM ARIA (Seal of Henry by the grace of God Duke of Holstein, (and) Stormarn)[citation needed] This article about a German count is a stub.