Saxo Grammaticus: Hierocratical Conceptions and Danish Hegemony in the Thirteenth Century (CARMEN Monographs and Studies)

The twelfth to thirteenth centuries in Denmark were a time of transition, particularly in the context of the Northern Crusades. The Gesta Danorum of Saxo Grammaticus, a Danish cleric, was for several centuries an official and referential history in Denmark. Initially written under the commission of Archbishop Absolom, its sixteen books are traditionally divided into two parts, arbitrarily called "mythic" (books 1-9) and "historical" (books 10-16). The scheme of the Four Cardinal Virtues, first studied by Kurt Johanesson, provides referential and structural values, while what André Muceniecks terms the theme of the Counselor covers a principal narrative "kernel," inserted after the previously mentioned values as political conceptions and fundamental ideas. It is not sufficient for the king to be strong; he needs to be wise, and have a wiser man to guide him, here represented by the Archbishopric. By interweaving this with the context, Muceniecks identifies a defense of hierocratic conceptions, even in books where Christianity is absent. The Gesta also defines a Danish hegemonic project in the Baltic, under guidance from the Archbishopric, grounded in the crusade movements. Such movements are presented through complex language and imagery about a glorious past brought to bear on the projects in the thirteenth century while internal tensions strengthen the monarchic and ecclesiastical institutions. "The twelfth to thirteenth centuries in Denmark were a time of transition, particularly in the context of the Northern Crusades. The Gesta Danorum of Saxo Grammaticus, a Danish cleric, was for several centuries an official and referential history in Denmark. Initially written under the commission of Archbishop Absolom, its sixteen books are traditionally divided into two parts, arbitrarily called "mythic" (books 1-9) and "historical" (books 10-16). The scheme of the Four Cardinal Virtues, first studied by Kurt Johanesson, provides referential and structural values, while what André Muceniecks terms the theme of the Counselor covers a principal narrative "kernel," inserted after the previously mentioned values as political conceptions and fundamental ideas. It is not sufficient for the king to be strong; he needs to be wise, and have a wiser man to guide him, here represented by the Archbishopric. By interweaving this with the context, Muceniecks identifies a defense of hierocratic conceptions, even in books where Christianity is absent. The Gesta also defines a Danish hegemonic project in the Baltic, under guidance from the Archbishopric, grounded in the crusade movements. Such movements are presented through complex language and imagery about a glorious past brought to bear on the projects in the thirteenth century while internal tensions strengthen the monarchic and ecclesiastical institutions."--Bloomsbury Publishing This Works Analyzes The Transitions Of The Twelfth To Thirteenth Centuries In Denmark, Particularly In The Context Of The Northern Crusades. Our Main Primary Source Is The Gesta Danorum Of Saxo Grammaticus, A Danish Cleric--provided By Publisher. Denmark And The Baltic In The Thirteenth Century -- The Work -- Political Conceptions -- Euhemerism And The East In Saxo Grammaticus -- Virtues And Values In Saxo Grammaticus : The Four Cardinal Virtues -- The Thematic Of The Counsellor -- Conclusion Remarks -- Gesta Danorum/list Of Abbreviations -- Other Primary Sources -- Appendix 1: List Of The Kings In The Books I To Viii Of The Gesta Danorum -- Appendix 2: Rulers And Archbihops Of Denmark In Relation To The Events In Baltic, Empire And Papacy -- Appendix 3: Genealogy Of The Valdemarian Kings. By André Muceniecks. Includes Bibliographical References And Index. Denmark of the twelfth to thirteenth centuries was a place of transitions, and this volume analyzes that period through the lens of the 'Gesta Danorum' of Saxo Grammaticus and other sources. The 'Gesta' defends not only hierocratic conceptions but the Danish hegemonic project in the Baltic - which was grounded in the crusade movements. Such movements are presented through complex language and imagery about a glorious past brought to bear on the projects in the thirteenth century while internal tensions strengthen the monarchic and ecclesiastical institutions. Denmark Of The Twelfth To Thirteenth Centuries Was A Place Of Transitions, And This Volume Analyzes That Period Through The Lens Of The Gesta Danorum Of Saxo Grammaticus And Other Sources. The Gesta Defends Not Only Hierocratic Conceptions But The Danish Hegemonic Project In The Baltic - Which Was Grounded In The Crusade Movements, Presented In The Gesta Through Complex Language And Imagery About A Glorious Past Brought To Bear On The Thirteenth Century. Also Channeled Are Internal Tensions, Strengthening The Monarchic And Ecclesiastical Institutions. This work analyses the transitions of the twelfth to thirteenth centuries in Denmark, particularly in the context of the Northern Crusades. The primary source is the?Gesta Danorum? of Saxo Grammaticus, a Danish cleric. The work became an official and referential history in Denmark for several centuries thereafter. Initially written under the commission of Archbishop Absolom, its sixteen books present, through complex language and imagery, a glorious past brought to bear on the thirteenth century.0