HELSINGØR, Denmark — A statue of Holger the Dane by Hans Peder Pedersen-Dan in the casemates under Kronborg Castle. According to legend, Holger remains sleeping until he's required to wake to save the Danish homeland. Known as Hamlet's Castle because William Shakespeare based his play Hamlet in the castle at Elsinore, Kronborg Castle sits on the narrow channel between Sweden and Denmark that serves as a gateway to the Baltic. The castle was built on a spot where there were older fortifications; the current version dates back to the late-16th century.
Photograph by David Coleman. The statue of Holger the Dane (Holger Danske in Danish) is a compelling representation of Danish folklore and national identity. Created by sculptor Hans Peder Pedersen-Dan in the early 20th century, the statue depicts Holger as a large, bearded warrior in a seated position, seemingly asleep but ready to awaken at a moment's notice. The figure is likely shown with his hands resting on a sword, symbolizing his readiness to defend Denmark. The statue's placement in the damp, dimly lit casemates of Kronborg Castle adds to its mystique and ties it closely to the legend that Holger will awaken to protect Denmark in its hour of need. Kronborg Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a formidable Renaissance fortress located at a strategic point on the Øresund strait. Its association with Shakespeare's Hamlet has made it a site of literary pilgrimage. The presence of Holger's statue in this historic setting creates a powerful confluence of literature, legend, and national symbolism, embodying Denmark's rich cultural heritage and its enduring spirit of resilience.
Size: 7360px × 4912px
Location: Kronborg Castle, Helsingor, Capital Region, Denmark
Photo credit: © David Coleman | Have Camera Will Travel / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
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