ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the contention for the throne in light of the involvement of Jaromar II and the significance of the fact that he, above all, was blamed for these events. The Rugish principality had from c.118021 been an auxiliary fief under the Danish kings, aiding both Knut VI and Valdemar II in their effective annexation of North German territories, providing frequent military assistance. The marriage ties of the Danish royalty are a central factor in explaining why Jaromar sided with Erik Abelsen. While several factors were thus involved in why Jaromar sided with Erik Abelsen, the trigger for the invasion of Denmark appears to have been Jacob Erlandsen's imprisonment in February 1259, and Peder Bang's escape to Rugen. The papal bull thus arrived belatedly as a form of blessing after Jaromar had invaded Denmark. The manner of Jaromar's death is described rather strikingly in one Danish annal, stating that Jaromar died 'disgracefully at the hand of a woman'.
