Karl VIII Knutsson, KNOOT suhn (1408?-1470), was a powerful Swedish nobleman who ruled Sweden as regent (temporary ruler) from 1438 to 1440 and then as king from 1448 to 1457, 1464 to 1465, and 1467 to 1470. Karl rose to power by taking advantage of the Swedes' desire for greater independence from royal authority and taxes, yet he was ruthless in his own exercise of power. His greatest rival for control of Sweden was the king of Denmark, and Karl promoted resentment against the idea of a foreign ruler to boost his own position. In doing so, he helped develop Sweden's desire for national independence. His name is sometimes spelled Carl or Charles.