Eric XI Ericsson or Eric the Lisp and Lame was King of Sweden from 1222 to 1229 and again from 1234 to 1250. Being the last ruler of the House of Eric, he stood in the shadow of a succession of powerful Jarls, especially his brother-in-law Birger Jarl, whose descendants ruled as kings after his death.

Birger Jarl, also known as Birger Magnusson, was a Swedish statesman and regent, jarl, and a member of the House of Bjelbo, who played a pivotal role in the consolidation of Sweden. His first marriage was to Princess Ingeborg of Sweden, which created his base of power. Birger led the Second Swedish Crusade, which established Swedish rule in Finland. Additionally, he is traditionally attributed with the foundation of the Swedish capital, Stockholm, around 1250. Birger used the Latin title of Dux Sweorum, and the design of his coronet combined those used by continental European and English dukes.