Born in Spring 1316. Parents: Duke Erik Magnusson and Ingeborg Håkansdotter of Norway.
King of Norway 8 of May 1319, upon the death of his uncle King Håkan V. Elected King of Sweden 8 of July 1319, only 3 years old. Also "Scania's rightful Lord and Prince" that same year. Crowned in Stockholm 21 of Jyla 1339, lost Scania 1360. Forced to leave Sweden 1364. Imprisoned in Stockholm 1365-1371 after an attempt to regain the throne. After that he lived in exile in Norway, where he died in December 1374.
Married in November 1355 to Blanka of Namur (1320-1363), daughter of Jean, Count of Namur and Maria of Artois. Sons: Erik, Håkan.
Several battles with his sons, who made him almost powerless. In 1364 he lost the throne to his nephew Albrekt.