Henry IV of Mecklenburg, also called "Henry the Fat" because of his obesity and lavish lifestyle, was the son of the Duke John IV of Mecklenburg and Catherine of Saxe-Lauenburg.

After Duke Ulrich II of Mecklenburg-Stargard died in 1471, Mecklenburg was again united under one ruler.

[1] The Stettin War of Succession between the Pomeranian Dukes and the Brandenburg Electors ended in late May 1472 through Henry's mediation.

At the end of his life, he gradually transferred his power to his sons Albert, John and Magnus.

After Henry's death they ruled jointly, until John died in 1474 and Albert in 1483.