Gertrude of Bavaria

Gertrude of Bavaria, also known as Gertrude of Saxony, was born in either 1152 or 1155 to Henry the Lion of Bavaria and Saxony and Clementia of Zähringen. Her life was marked by significant marital alliances, beginning with her marriage to Frederick IV, Duke of Swabia, in 1166. Tragically, she became a widow just a year later, in 1167.

In 1171, Gertrude's fortunes changed when she became engaged to Canute of Denmark. Their union was formalized in February 1177 in Lund, where they initially resided in Skåne. Their reign as king and queen commenced on 12 May 1182, yet they did not have any children.

Remarkably, during her second marriage, Gertrude chose a life of chastity and celibacy alongside her husband. Chronicler Arnold of Lübeck noted their unique bond, describing Canute as 'the most chaste one, living thus his days with his chaste spouse' in eternal chastity. This decision set them apart in a time when dynastic marriages often prioritized offspring.