Sons of Vasa
No less than three of Gustav Eriksson Vasa's sons spent their lives embroiled in a bitter rivalry for the Swedish throne.
Nobility
Explore stories about the triumphs & disasters of monarchs, royalty, and the wider aristocracy
The One Where Jöran Polman Ripped Off a Beard
Contrary to his image as a steadfast captain, this chapter of Jöran Polman's story catches him red-handed in a drunken brawl.
Protector of the Realm: Gustav I of Sweden (1496 – 1560)
Despite the consistent power struggles between the monarchy and nobility, Gustav Vasa rose to power from a nobleman to king of a liberated Sweden.
Semiramis of the North: Margaret I of Denmark (1353 – 1412)
Often referred to as the "first great ruling queen in European history," Margaret I beat the odds to ascend the throne of a uniting Scandinavia.
The Princess and the Jägermeister
An unfortunate but feisty princess sought the help of empress Catherine the Great to escape an abusive marriage and flee to Estonia. What could go wrong?