“Der er et yndigt land,” the Danish national anthem, is a favorite at sports events, where fans passionately sing along. This anthem resonates deeply with everyone in Denmark, symbolizing the nation’s pride and cultural identity. Moreover, the song poetically calls Denmark “Freya’s Hall.” This reference adds a mythological dimension to its national pride and this clearly stands out during sporting events.
THE HISTORY OF DENMARK’S NATIONAL ANTHEMS
In 1819, during a surge of national pride, Adam Oehlenschläger wrote the lyrics for “Der er et yndigt land.” He found inspiration in how the poet Horace described his favorite spot on earth. Consequently, Oehlenschläger wrote verses that echoed his profound love for Denmark.
Hans Ernst Krøyer composed the music for these verses in 1835, creating the melody most often associated with this anthem today. Additionally, other composers like Thomas Laub and Carl Nielsen have offered their own versions.
“Kong Christian stod ved højen mast” (King Christian stood by the lofty mast) serves as Denmark’s royal and state anthem, typically used at formal events. Denmark uniquely possesses two national anthems, sharing this feature only with New Zealand. “Kong Christian” is reserved for official ceremonies, whereas “Der er et yndigt land” often plays at informal events and sports games.
Initially, “Der er et yndigt land” included twelve verses. But it has been condensed to four verses to make it easier to sing and more powerful when performed by groups.
FREYA’S INFLUENCE ON DANISH CULTURE
Freya, is a revered figure in Norse mythology, known for her ties to love and beauty, and has a lasting influence on Danish culture. Seen as a guardian over Denmark, her legacy blends the country’s rich historical roots with its current identity.
The Danish national anthem, “There is a lovely country” (Danish: Der er et yndigt land), highlights this connection by naming Denmark as “Freya’s hall.” The anthem describes Denmark as:
“There is a lovely country that stands with broad beech trees, near the salty eastern shore. It winds through hills and valleys; its name is old Denmark, and it is Freya’s hall.”
This verse connects Denmark’s natural landscapes and storied past to the grandeur associated with Freya, emphasizing her importance in Danish cultural identity.