Sweyn Forkbeard, King of England
www.historic-uk.com
Most people have heard of the Danish king of England Canute who according to legend, tried to command the waves. However it was his father Sweyn (Svein) who was the first Viking king of England...
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The original was posted on /r/todayilearned by /u/TriviaDuchess on 2025-03-25 00:44:34+00:00.

Original Title: TIL that Sweyn Forkbeard was the first Viking king to rule England. He massacred, plundered, and burned his way through the countryside, capturing London on Christmas Day 1013. He died just 40 days later. Upon his death the previous king Æthelred the Unready came back and retook his throne.