Alfgifu
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Alfgifu (c. 995-c. 1040) came from a noble family in England. Her great beauty quickly impressed England's new king, the young Cnut. Cnut, already ruler of Denmark, had conquered England in 1016. Alfgifu became his mistress, and bore him two sons. Swien, the eldest, was made king of Norway, and in 1030 Cnut sent her to rule there as a regent. She ruled so severely and brutally that the Norwegians rebelled against her, and she was driven out. Alfgifu was determined that her second son, Harold Harefoot, should be the next english king. But there were many others who could claim the throne. When Cnut died in 1035, Alfgifu moved swiftly. She forced the rest of the nobles to accept Harold as temporary king. Then she helped plot the murder of his nearest rival. With the other claimants abroad, no one could oppose Harold, who became full king of England in 1037.
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This information is from 100 Greatest Tyrants
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