Kings & Queens of Norway

Norway, a large and wealthy kingdom during the middle ages, was devastated by the Black Death, leading to economic decline, and union with first Denmark and Sweden, then just Denmark in the Kalmar union. After the departure of Sweden from the union, Denmark became the dominant partner, and, although Norway was recognised as separate, in terms of its language and laws, Denmark controlled the union.

Norway was originally a hereditary monarchy, but was forced to accept Christian I of Denmark as king, with all subsequent kings to be elected from amongst the previous king’s legitimate sons. In 1536, the fiction of Denmark and Norway being ruled by a single king, but as separate countries with their own laws, was abandoned when Denmark declared Norway a province.