Frederik II 1534-88
King of Denmark and Norway

Born in Hadenslev, he succeeded his father, Kristian III (1559) and soon became involved in a seven-year war against Sweden and its deranged king, Erik XIV, which ended with the inconclusive Treaty of Stettin (1570). The remainder of his reign was a period of peace and prosperity, in which he rebuilt Denmark's economy and defences, imposing a toll on all ships passing through the Sound. He built the magnificent Renaissance castle of Kronborg at Elsinore, to which he brought English musicians to provide entertainment, and was a patron of the astronomer Tycho Brahe and other scientists. He was succeeded by his young son, Kristian IV. His daughter, Anne of Denmark, married King James VI and I of Scotland and England.