Dyveke Sigbritsdatter

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Dyveke Sigbritsdatter (in Denmark normally just known as "Dyveke" - Dutch for "little pigeon") was a common girl, the daughter of merchant Sigbrit Willoms, who became the mistress to Christian II of Denmark in 1507 or 1509. Their relationship has been the inspiration of many poets but in fact little is known about it. Though Christian married Isabella of Austria and had her crowned in 1515, he refused to end his relationship with Dyveke. This created tension between him and his brother-in-law, the future Emperor Charles V.

Dyveke died in the summer of 1517, possibly because of a poisoning. This death led to the execution of the nobleman Torben Oxe, however his guilt has never been proven and both an initiative by the court of the Emperor Maximilian I or even an accidental poisoning have been suggested as an explanation. Her mother Sigbrit went on to become Christian II's financial advisor. Nothing is recorded for Sigbrit after 1523, one assumption has her imprisoned for witchcraft, dying in 1532.

[edit] Literature

• Dansk Biografisk Leksikon, vol. 4. Copenh. 1980 (entirely in Danish)
• Sigbrits Bålferd, Haff Bergljiot Håbæk