At some point in the twelfth century, Ericus Disertus rose to prominence in medieval Denmark. He did so largely on the basis of his verbal wits. According to a contemporaneous history, Gesta Danorum “The Deeds of the Danes,” Ericus was “superior in words” and “stronger in tongue” than other men. His followers came to think of him as “Eric the Eloquent.”

Eric???s way with words was an attractive feature of his personality, but it was also useful. For Eric settled disputes, secured rights, and prevailed in a number of verbal skirmishes. Because he could fight with his tongue, Eric was able to avoid many of the militant engagements for which the age was known.

Eloquence also earned Eric a great deal of prestige and power. According to Saxo Grammaticus, the author of ???Deeds,??? it was thought that Eric was ???better spoken than all other people.??? His eloquence would eventually attract political opportunities. An attested ???champion in argument,??? Eric became counselor to the King of Sweden and later ascended to the throne himself.