The newly crowned King of Sweden was a young, handsome and passionate man, a man searching for a suitable bride of rank and fortune. Meanwhile he would take as his mistress a young girl serving at a local tavern. Karin Månsdotter won the heart of the King, gave him four children and was crowned Queen of Sweden. This defiant act proved too much for the mighty houses of the country and led to turmoil, rebellion and tragedy. Karin lived precariously for many years after the death of her husband and worked incessantly to provide a future for her child and grandchildren. Her high spirits, optimism and generous nature were a gift to her dead husband. Karin would never permit his name to be tarnished by her actions.