It is likely that Sven was educated at a monastery in Denmark, but given the knowledge of classical antiquity, that he displays through his writings, there is little doubt he received a more comprehensive education elsewhere, probably in one of the big Church-schools in France.
Like his forefathers, he joined King Valdemar I's housecarls, known as Thinglid - who, it is said, had originated with King Canute the Great's corps.