Page "Absalon" Paragraph 2

Absalon was born around 1128 near Sorø, Zealand.

Due to a name which is unusual in Denmark, it is speculated that he was christened on the Danish " Absalon " name day, October 30.

He was the son of Asser Rig, a magnate of the Hvide clan from Fjenneslev on Zealand.

He was also a kinsman of Archbishop Eskil of Lund.

He grew up at the castle of his father, and was brought up alongside his older brother Esbern Snare and the young prince Valdemar, who later became King Valdemar I of Denmark.

During the civil war following the death of Eric III of Denmark in 1146, Absalon travelled abroad to study theology in Paris, while Esbern fought for Valdemar's ascension to the throne.

At Paris, he was influenced by the Gregorian Reform ideals of churchly independence from Monarchical rule.

He also befriended the canon William of Æbelholt at the Abbey of St Genevieve, whom he later made abbott of Eskilsø Abbey.