著者

牧野 正憲 Masanori Makino

雑誌

人文論究 (ISSN:02866773)

巻号頁・発行日

vol.32, no.2, pp.29-43, 1982-10-25

著者

牧野 正憲

出版者

大阪外国語大学

雑誌

IDUN (ISSN:02879042)

巻号頁・発行日

vol.17, pp.227-240, 2006

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Margrethe's instructions were written in the beginning of 15^<th> century when King Eric, her son-in-low, began an inspection tour to Norway. However, it is difficult to determine exact date because the original text was so ragged and damaged by moisture that a part of the date was missing. These instructions consist of 54 sets of statements which instruct King Eric on his behavior as a ruler in different situations and range over various topics from the art of politics and statesmanship to a ruler's personal conduct. The statements are not arranged systematically and also include impulsive and personal expressions so it is apparent that Margrethe had no intention for anyone else except Eric to read these informal instructions. Therefore, these historical documents are Margrethe's personal and secret counsel to King Eric and reflect her most secret political machinations. Without doubt, they give an interesting and unique insight into understanding the woman and her reign. She advised Eric on how to achieve absolute power through the monarchy. Her instructions give us worthy information about how this experienced woman as a ruler governed her kingdom. The news chroniclers of the period such as Holsteiner and other Swedish commentators often characterized Margrethe as "cunning". Surely this word seems to be true of her because she instructed Eric to delay as long as possible the publishing of important notices which give advantage to someone. She also advised him not to give anyone official parchment documents with his royal seal. But she was prodigious in her ability to win the hearts and minds of the people and the aristocracy in three kingdoms in Scandinavia had to concede her much moral and political authority. She saw into the personality and the character of King Eric and gave him invaluable advice. Nevertheless, the war against Holsteiner and the Hanseatic League soon after Margrethe's death, as well as the Swedish rebellion against Eric and finally the conflicts with Danish aristocracy on the successor to throne brought about, in the end, Eric's dethronement. By reading Margrethe's instructions, on the one hand, we gain important insights on the inner workings of her reign and, on the other hand, these instructions are one of the most important historical sources on King Eric.