Eric III of Denmark
| Eric III Lamb | |
|---|---|
Eric on his coin | |
| King of Denmark | |
| Reign | 1137–1146 |
| Predecessor | Eric II |
| Successor | Sweyn III, Canute V, Valdemar I |
| Born | c. 1120 |
| Died | 27 August 1146 (aged 25–26) Odense, Denmark |
| Burial | |
| Consort | Lutgard of Salzwedel |
| House | Estridsen |
| Father | Hakon Sunnivasson |
| Mother | Ragnhild of Denmark |
Eric III Lamb (Danish: Erik III Lam, c. 1120 – 27 August 1146) was King of Denmark from 1137 until 1146. He was the grandson of Eric I and the nephew of Eric II, whom he succeeded on the throne. He abdicated in 1146, becoming the first monarch of Denmark to do so voluntarily, and the only until Margrethe II in 2024. His succession led to a period of civil war between Sweyn III, Canute V, and Valdemar I.