revenge and attacked Birka 840. As Birka continues to be ruled by Swedish kings, it is unlikely that the attack succeeded. Eric, who was recently deceased by the time Ansgar visited Sweden for the second time 852. According to Rimbert's writings, some of the Anti-Christian Swedes suggested that Eric be worshipped as a god alongside the rest of the Nordic pantheon instead of the new Christian God. Olof, who reigned 852, during Ansgar's second visit to Sweden, having then only recently come to the throne. Olof's position of power was weak, since he did not dare support Ansgar's and Rimbert's Christianization mission out of fear of upsetting his people. According to Rimbert, Olof had to negotiate with his own nobles and the will of the gods (i.e. what should be done) was eventually determined through a lottery-like system, the results of which was determined by a council of religious figures rather than the king. Olof apparently warred against Courland. Kings from Adam of Bremen Ring, possibly together with his sons Eric and Emund. If he co-ruled with his sons, they reigned 936. If there was not a co-regency, Ring might have ruled earlier, with his second son Emund reigning 936. Eric, son of Ring and either his co-ruler or direct successor. Emund, son of Ring and either co-ruler with Ring and Eric Ringsson, or the direct successor of Eric Ringsson. Emund, son of Eric and the direct successor of Emund Ringsson (or some co-ruler arrangement of the previous three monarchs). Adam of Bremen gives this king as Eric the Victorious's predecessor. Other kings There are also a few kings mentioned in various sources, but which are inconsitenstly placed in the regnal list, or not at all. These include: Eric, attested by the Sparlösa Runestone (from 800) as a king at Uppsala. Eric Weatherhat Erik Årsäll See also List of Swedish monarchs References Cited bibliography Cited web sources External links