There’s powerful, and then there’s Bo Jonsson Grip powerful.  By any means necessary, Jonsson (Grip is Swedish for griffin), a Swedish noble, managed to nab the highest titles available (including ruler of Finland), was in possession of the largest landholdings in Swedish history (even more than the royal family), and served as the right hand man of the king.   He exerted tremendous control over the politics of the day, and his influence over foreign and domestic matters was unparalleled; in addition, his wealth and position allowed for crucial input regarding royal matters and matters of succession.  It is even said that he got away with the murder of one of his second wife’s admirers due to his high status.  Bo Jonsson…distinguished.