Jens Andersen Bældenak - en biografisk studie

Resumé

After some reflections on the place and importance of biographies in historical work, the article presents and discusses the career of Jens Andersen Beldenak, born c. 1468 in Brande, North Jutland of »common parents«, bishop of Odense, 1502, died in Lybaek, 1537.
Jens Andersen Beldenak is an interesting person. In 1525, when the aristocracy demanded that only people of noble birth should occupy higher offices, Jens Andersen Beldenak ostensibly declared that he by »the holy shroud would die as a mighty bishop in the name of the devil«, a statement which points to a rather interesting disposition.
His refractory character caused him much controversy. He had controversy with king Hans, king Christian II and king Frederik I, with the aristocracy and the other bishops (who were of noble birth), and quarrelled with the bourgeoisie as much as with the peasants. As a matter of fact, Jens Andersen Beldenak’s diocesan rule is known today only from other people’s accusations against him.
At the time unrest was growing in Denmark and, what was to affect the catholic bishop, Jens Andersen Beldenak directly, the budding reformation. He was not a theologian, but he is supposedly the only person, among the many who retorted, who embarked on a theological argumentation against the reformation.
His doings entailed other matters than clerical ones. As a bishop he was member of the »Rigsråd« (council of state) and like most bishops Jens Andersen Beldenak spent his time here, rather than engaging in his ecclesiastical duties. His secular life involved him in several incidents of importance. Of interest is his role in the Massacre of Stockholm and his abduction in 1532, which he has depicted in two elegy-like poems.