When was Saxo Grammaticus born and where did he live?
Saxo Grammaticus was born in Zealand likely after the year 1150 and before his death around 1220. He served as a clerk to Absalon Archbishop of Lund during an era of constant warfare.
Saxo Grammaticus was born in Zealand likely after the year 1150 and before his death around 1220. He served as a clerk to Absalon Archbishop of Lund during an era of constant warfare.
The work spans sixteen books covering events from the founding of Denmark up to the year 1187. It combines oral tales from Icelanders with ancient stone carvings and letters to create a heroic history of the Danes.
Saxo Grammaticus adapted Scandinavian gods into his historical framework using euhemerism to explain mythic elements. His portrayal shows them as untrustworthy figures rather than benevolent protectors who sometimes act treacherously toward human heroes.
Christiern Pedersen collaborated with Jodocus Badius Ascensius to print Saxo Grammaticus early in the sixteenth century. This publication marked the first major step toward securing the historical significance of his work.
The story of Amleth appears as the first instance of what would become Shakespeare's Hamlet. Saxo based this tale on an oral tradition about a son taking revenge for his murdered father by feigning madness to survive enemies plotting against him.