Ernst "Der Eiserne" (Iron Earnest)

b. 1386 d. 1424
r. 1402 – 1424
b. 1377 in Bruck/Mur
d. 10. Juni 1424 in Bruck/Mur

The third son of Duke Leopold III of Styria (1351/1379–1386) and his wife Viridis Visconti (c. 1350–1414), Ernst was initially forced into the background by his elder brothers Wilhelm (1370–1406) and Leopold IV (1371–1411). Several complex contracts and agreements made between his two brothers and his uncle Albrecht III (139/1379–1393) excluded Ernst from all ruling affairs. The growing controversy between himself and his brothers – especially about the guardianship of the minor Albrecht V (1397–1439) from the Albertian line of the House of Habsburg – eventually led to a strengthening of the estates. As King Sigismund of Hungary (1368/1387–1437) and his loyals, the Styrian Walsee noble family, opposed him, Ernst renounced the guardianship and withdrew to Graz.