Sverker I, before becoming King of Sweden, had been a powerful landowner from Östergötland.

According to the Westrogothic law (1240), his father's name was Cornube, but according to Skáldatal, his father's name was Kol.

He was acknowledged as king at the beginning of 1130s, and conquered Västergötland from its ruler Magnus the Strong.

Sverker rules for about 26 years, but in spite of the long reign not much is known about him, other than that the convents and monasteries of Alvastra, Nydala and Varnhem are founded during this time.

According to a Russian chronicle, the newly founded Republic of Novgorod had its first confrontation with Sweden during Sverker's reign in 1142, thus breaking a centurylong peace that had been guaranteed by marriages between the earlier ruling families.

Sverker is murdered near his own coach at the Alebäck bridge near Alvastra priory, going to the early service on Christmas day, in 1156.

This is considered a shocking crime, even by medieval standards.

The pretender Magnus Henriksson is suspected of the crime.

Eric, a rival king, is subsequently recognized in most or all provinces.