COPENHAGEN, Denmark — The Gefion Fountain stands at the entrance to Langelinie promenade. The large-scale bronze sculpture depicts the Norse goddess Gefjon and her four oxen, dramatically plowing the sea amidst jets of water, illustrating the mythical creation of Zealand.
Photograph by David Coleman. The Gefion Fountain, one of Copenhagen's largest and most impressive monuments, stands as a dramatic representation of Danish mythology and history. Located at the northern end of Copenhagen's harbor, near the popular Langelinie promenade, the fountain serves as both a captivating piece of public art and a significant cultural landmark. Designed by Danish artist Anders Bundgaard and unveiled in 1908, the fountain depicts the Norse goddess Gefjon (also spelled Gefjun) in a dynamic scene from Scandinavian folklore. According to legend, Gefjon was promised by the Swedish king Gylfi that she could keep as much land as she could plow in one night. Using her divine powers, Gefjon transformed her four sons into powerful oxen and plowed so deeply that she separated a piece of land from Sweden, which became the Danish island of Zealand (Sjælland). The bronze sculptural group shows Gefjon wielding a whip as she drives her four straining oxen forward. The oxen, with their muscular forms and determined expressions, appear to be emerging from the water, creating a sense of movement and power. Jets of water spray from the oxen's nostrils and from under their hooves, adding to the dynamic nature of the scene. The fountain basin, made of granite, is designed to resemble a natural pool, enhancing the mythical atmosphere of the sculpture. The water cascading over the rocks and the mist created by the sprays contribute to a multisensory experience, with the sound of rushing water complementing the visual spectacle. Standing approximately 14 meters tall, the Gefion Fountain is not only a celebration of Danish mythology but also a testament to late 19th and early 20th-century Danish sculpture. Its grand scale and theatrical composition reflect the artistic trends of the time, blending elements of naturalism with a romanticized view of Nordic heritage. The fountain's location near other famous Copenhagen landmarks, such as the Little Mermaid statue and the Ka
Size: 7360px × 4912px
Location: Gefion Fountain, Christianshavn, Capital Region, Denmark
Photo credit: © David Coleman | Have Camera Will Travel / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
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