Eric, born around 1090 to king Eric I of Denmark and an unknown concubine, had been given some Danish isles by his half-brother Canute Lavard, and was jarl of Møn, Lolland, and Falster.

When Lavard was murdered in 1131, Eric had joined his half-brother Harald Kesja in a rebellion against the responsible king Niels of Denmark.

Eric had been elected Danish Antiking in Scania in April 1131, prompting Kesja to support Niels in jealousy.

Eric's army had lost several battles against Niels and his son Magnus the Strong, including Jelling in Jutland in 1131 and Værbro on Zealand, and he had fled to Scania.

His retreat had earned him the nickname Harefoot.

Eric had unsuccessfully tried to convince Lothair III, Holy Roman Emperor, to support his bid for kingship, and had had no luck asking Magnus IV of Norway for help.

He returns to Scania in 1134, where Archbishop Asser of Lund joins his cause, and Lothair eventually supports him as well.