How did Canute become king?

Canute, also known as Cnut the Great, became king through a combination of conquest and strategic alliances. He was the son of King Sweyn Forkbeard and ascended to the throne of England after his father's brief rule in 1016. Following a series of battles against King Edmund Ironside, Canute emerged victorious and united England under his rule. His reign expanded to include Denmark and parts of Norway, making him a prominent figure in Northern European politics during the Viking Age.