Ulf Jarl

In the 18th century, Danish historian Jacob Langebek proposed that Styrbjörn Starke and Tyra Haraldsdotter were the parents of Thorkel Sprakalegg.

Ulf convinced the freemen to elect Harthacnut king, since they were discontented at Cnut's absenteeism.

This was a ruse on Ulf's part since his role as Harthacnut's guardian would make him the ruler of Denmark.

When Cnut learnt what had happened, he returned to Denmark and fought naval engagement against the Swedish and Norwegian forces at the Battle of the Helgeå.

The next day, the Christmas of 1026, Cnut had one of his housecarls kill Earl Ulf in Trinity Church [da], the predecessor of Roskilde Cathedral.