Sweyn Godwinson (Old English: Swegen Godƿinson) (c. 1020 – 1052), also spelled Swein, was the eldest son of Earl Godwin of Wessex, and brother of Harold II of England.
[3] There is some evidence suggesting that Sweyn claimed to be a son of King Canute, but his mother indignantly denied this and brought forth witnesses to his parentage.
[4] From the start, Sweyn sought peace with Gruffydd ap Llywelyn, the King of Gwynedd in northern Wales.
Some say it was his father Earl Godwin who pleaded his case to the King, others that it was Aldred or Ealdred, Bishop of Worcester, who met him in Flanders returning from his pilgrimage.
[2] The exile and eventual death of Sweyn left Harold as the heir apparent of the Godwinson family.