ABSTRACT
This chapter compares two influential women, Katarina Jagiellonica and Sophie of Mecklenburg-Güstrow, who were queen consorts in two antagonistic Scandinavian countries, Sweden and Denmark. In both countries the Riksrådet significantly affected the authority of the monarch, so the way in which a queen could promote the royal power and authority of her family differed from that in other parts of Europe, where absolutism had a firmer hold. Katarina was a Catholic whose religious piety and faith played a significant role in the conflict in the Swedish Church, Sophie a Protestant who supported the changes that confirmed the reformation in Denmark. In different ways, both made significant contributions to their children’s futures and had considerable influence as patrons of art, music, and masques: as a conduit for mercy; as good managers of money; as reliable royal partners; and as links between family and kin. Both were critical players in their respective royal courts and palaces, the headquarters of power. Both were also highly intelligent and well-informed individuals who were fluent in several languages and interested in learning and scientific developments.
