Gesta Danorum
The
Gesta Danorum is a work of
Danish history, by one
Saxo Grammaticus (Saxo the Learned) of whom not a great deal is known other than his name. It was written in
Latin at some time towards the end of the
12th century although possibly early in the
13th century. It has a particular axe to grind: its principal purpose was to laud the Danish nation and demonstrate the long lines of unbroken succession of the Danish kings.
Among others, it was the source for the story of Hamlet as written by William Shakespeare.
External links:
- An online (latin) version made available by the Royal Library in Copenhagen:
- Project Runeberg on Saxo Grammaticus and Gesta Danorum:
- English translation: