Christian Barnekow (1556–1612)

For the Danish composer, see Christian Barnekow.

Christian Barnekow (24 January 1556 – 21 February 1612) was a Danish nobleman, estate holder and diplomat. He was noted for his extensive travels. He is remembered for sacrificing his own life in an effort to save that of Christian IV in the Battle of Skillingehed at Varberg in Halland. He is thus credited with giving his horse to the king with the words "I give my horse to the king, my life to the enemy and my soul to God". His holdings included Birkholm (now Løvenborg) and Tølløsegård at Holbæk. The street Kristen Bernikows Gade in Copenhagen is named after him. It is located on the site of his former city home.

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