Author Description

Saxo Grammaticus's The History of the Danes is a seminal work of Scandinavian history, providing readers with a comprehensive overview of the culture and people of Denmark from the earliest recorded times to the twelfth century. This edition contains the first nine books of the Gesta Danorum, which are of most interest to scholars, as they are one of the principal historical sources of Norse mythology and semi-legendary Danish history -- starting with Dan, the legendary progenitor of the Danish people, through the story of Amleth (the inspiration for the character of Shakespeare's Hamlet), to the semi-legendary leader of the early Viking Era, Ragnar Lothbrok. Written in the Latin language, this text offers an invaluable insight into the development of the Danish kingdom and its people, discussing the great kings, battles, and events that shaped the country's history. Saxo's work is an essential source for anyone interested in understanding Danish and Scandinavian history, and is still studied in universities and schools today. Originally written in Latin in the 12th century, this edition is based on the 1894 translation by scholar Oliver Elton (1861-1945). Saxo Grammaticus (c. 1150 - c. 1220) was a Danish historian and author. He is best known for his work Gesta Danorum, an important source of information about Danish and Scandinavian history. Saxo was born around 1150 in what is now Schleswig, Germany, and his family were Danish nobles. He was educated at the Cathedral School of Roskilde and then attended the University of Paris. Saxo wrote Gesta Danorum (Deeds of the Danes) between 1185 and 1208, making it one of the earliest works of Scandinavian history. The work was divided into 16 books, covering Danish history from the time of the legendary king Dan to the death of Canute VI in 1187. Gesta Danorum is an important source of information about Viking culture and history, and it is also notable for its literary style, which combines historical facts with