Märta Eriksdotter (Bonde)

Märta Eriksdotter (Bonde) was the alleged daughter of Erik Knutsson, King of Sweden, flourishing in the first half of the 13th century.^[1] Knowledge about her is derived from a genealogy added to a 15th-century copy of the Erikskrönikan.^[2]

According to the genealogy she was married to Nils Sixtensson Sparre, a marshal in Sweden,^[3] and became the foremother of the noble families of Sparre [sv] and Oxenstjerna.^[1]

The genealogy may have been part of King Karl Knutsson's (d. 1470) ambition to prove his right to the throne by presenting a more impressive family background.^[2] Consequently, the existence of Märta and her marriage have been questioned by some modern Swedish historians, who believe she was fabricated by Karl or his chancellery. Nevertheless, a few historians have argued that her position cannot be entirely dismissed as a forgery.^[4]

Allegedly, Märta and Nils had two children:

• Sixten Nilsson Sparre
• Abjörn Nilsson Sparre