Olaf I of Denmark

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Olaf I of Denmark (born circa 1050 - died 1095), known also as Oluf I Hunger, was king of Denmark following his brother Canute IV starting from 1086. He was a natural son of king Sweyn Estridson and married Ingegard, princess of Norway.

After the death of Canute the Holy rebels got Oluf released from former capture in Flandres to make him king. Oluf's brother Niels, the later king, went and took his place in his place.

In 1089 Oluf appointed Ascer from the Jutlandic lineage Thrugot as bishop of Lund. Ascer later became to play an important political role.

Oluf's reign was marred by several years of crop failure which earned him the nickname "Hunger" (same meaning in Danish), and he died in August, 1095 under somewhat mysterious circumstances. Supporters of his murdered predecessor Canute IV claimed that the famine was sent by God as a punishment. Oluf and his brothers Ubbe, Harald and Niels originally belonged to a political party which had been in opposition to that of king Canute, and some used this against him, blaming the king for the famine. Some speculate that he may have killed himself.