Face To Face Encounter With Holger Danske

From 1060 on the French people wrote tales of great battles, of strength, courage, and Holger Danske. In the 1200s these epics were translated into Danish and with this, the Danish people came to know and love Holger Danske as a national symbol. Even H.C. Andersen wrote of Holger Danske’s valor and his love for Denmark. He is the ultimate Danish protector, one who is currently in a deep sleep lest Denmark once again requires his assistance.

Until the day when he rises again to defend the homeland, Holger Danske sits in colossal stone form in the cavernous dark and slightly eerie casemates under Kronborg Castle.

It is to that very castle that the four of us (my Mom, Ole, Birgitte, and I) ventured to on Thursday the 21st. Know to many as Hamlet’s castle, Kronborg was not only the setting where Shakespeare placed the tragedy of the Danish prince, but was a very strategically placed income collector in Helsingør for the Royal crown.

In times of old, when the Kingdom of Denmark controlled both sides of the Øresund it was at this point that they pleasantly collected tariffs from vessels passing through these Danish waters. With Kronborgs massive defenses, countless cannons, and multitude of soldiers that were stationed there, avoidance of the tariffs was quite uncommon. Thus the tariffs from this area provided the majority of the crown’s income at that point in history.

It was a beautiful day, with the Danish flag flying against a crisp blue sky, highlighting the sheer power and beauty of this Danish fortress. There is quite a lot to see at Kronborg. From the Royal chambers, the casemates, the chapel, and the Maritime museum we were there until closing time.

I truly love going to places such as this; having been studying Danish history for the year, each room you step into is more than just an artfully decorated room from days of old, but a living embodiment of the stories and events I have learned so much about.

The picture above is the view from the roof. On the horizon is Sweden. From the proximity to the distant shore one can definitely see why this location was strategically chosen.

Our visit to Kronborg Castle was the last stop on my Mom’s Danish adventure, and she flew back to Florida the next morning. It was wonderful having her here and being able to share my life in Denmark with her.

As always, I must thank my host parents, Ole and Birgitte, for showing us Denmark in a way we would not otherwise see it.

Vi Ses!