Leofdag of Ribe

Leofdag of Ribe was the first Bishop of Ribe in Denmark, later regarded as a local saint but never canonized. Ribe was established as a diocese for Leofdag in 948 under the supervision of the Archbishop of Hamburg, who was authorized by the Roman Curia to proselytize the Danes.

Leofdag was consecrated by Archbishop Adaldag of Hamburg, probably at the Synod of Ingelheim (Germany), which the Jutlandic bishops attended. Leofdag was martyred that same year, when a housecarl skewered him with a spear, as he forded the river at Ribe.

Although never canonized, Leofdag was revered as a local saint and martyr, until the Reformation. His remains would eventually end up in Ribe Cathedral. Until the death of his third known successor Vale (1044–59) the bishops of Ribe, Schleswig, and Aarhus wandered about Jutland on missionary tours.