A 10th Century Queen's Legacy Carved In Stone
When we think of the Viking age, fierce warriors and adventurous seafarers often come to mind. But hidden within these tales are stories of remarkable women who left indelible marks on history.
A Place Among The Stars
If you're into astronomy, you've probably heard about 115 Thyra, a bright main-belt asteroid. But did you know that it was named after a Danish Queen whose story lived through the Icelandic sagas? So, is she a historical or legendary figure?
Lorenz Frølich, Wikimedia Commons
Little Is Known About Her
Several Viking Age runestones tell the story of the Danish Queen, Thyra. Moreover, some stories written by 12th and 13th century historians speak of her legacy. Nevertheless, the contradicting accounts leave us puzzled and asking questions about who she really was.
Photographer Roberto Fortuna, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
Unlike Other People Of Her Time
The Vikings left several artifacts that speak of their legacy. We know that they dominated Scandinavia from the 8th to the 11th century, traveled through Europe, and even reached North Africa. Their runestones tell us much about their legacy and way of life.
Hedning, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
She Remained A Mythical Figure
Although the Vikings documented the existence of Thyra, they had different accounts of her life. No contemporary source about her life survived, and all stories were written at a later age. This made them quite hard to verify.
Louis Moe, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
As Historians Didn't Tell Us The Details
Medieval historians like Saxo Grammaticus and Sven Aggesen wrote about Queen Thyra. But they missed some important details like when she was born and her date of coronation. Nevertheless, we know one thing for sure—she was the wife of Gorm the Old.
Enstropia, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Here's What We Know
Queen Thyra, often referred to as Denmark's Adornment, was a central figure in shaping the cultural and political identity of Viking-age Denmark. Her story highlights her role during a transformative period in Scandinavian history as she became a symbol of resilience and leadership.
Briangotts, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
Which Leaves Out Many Details
Though much about Thyra's early life remains shrouded in mystery, some accounts link her to royal or noble families in the broader Scandinavian region. This would explain her strategic marriage to Gorm the Old, the first recognized king of Denmark.
But Offer Some Insights
Saxo Grammaticus wrote about Queen Thyra in Gesta Danorum. This is a patriotic account of Danish kings and mentioned that she was the daughter of an English king. Some believe her to be the daughter of Ethelred of Wessex, although others believe it to be Edward the Elder.
Saxo Grammaticus; tr. Frederik Winkel Horn; illus. Louis Moe, Wikimedia Commons
With Historical Conflict
This suggestion presents a dilemma due to the invasion of England by Sweyn Forkbeard, the son of Harald Bluetooth. In this case, it wouldn't be considered an invasion because Thyra's descendants would have a right to claim the throne.
Lorenz Frølich, Wikimedia Commons
It's Hard To Prove
However, due to the absence of accurate historical records, it's impossible to confirm this information unless more evidence is found. Another account mentions that Thyra is the daughter of Klak Harald of Jutland. It also suggests that her sister was the grandmother of Harald Fairhair of Norway.
Harald Finehair || Ambitions (Vikings) by King FireMan
With Many Contradicting Stories
Sven Aggesen mentioned that Thyra was in fact a German subject. Her marriage to Gorm the Old was arranged by the German emperor who would receive a large tribute. However, she refused to pay him to confirm that the Danes were no longer in debt to Germany.
TRACE | Norwegian viking short film by Markus Dahlslett (Full movie) by Dahlslett Film
Her Name Is Of Nordic Origin
The original inscription on the first Jelling stone was written in Old Norse. The name was later anglicized as Thorvi or Thyre. However, Thyra is more common. Accounts of her life were also mentioned in the Heimskringla, an Old Norse kings' saga written in Iceland.
Erik Christensen, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
Was It About Her?
A controversial theory suggested that the encarved text refers to Gorm the Old as Denmark's Adornment. This theory claims that her importance was later exaggerated by medieval historians. Nevertheless, most historians reject this theory and confirm that it was in fact about Queen Thyra.
Per Meistrup, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
A Royal Union
While Gorm was a warrior king focused on territorial expansion and consolidation, Thyra brought balance through her wisdom and strategic thinking. Together, they forged a partnership that laid the foundation for a unified Danish kingdom after he became king in 936.
Dbachmann, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
That Showed A Deep Connection
According to runestone inscriptions, Gorm held Thyra in the highest regard by commissioning a stone that called her "tanmarkar but", or Denmark's Adornment or Salvation. He raised one of the highest burial mounds in her honor, which signifies her status.
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Queen Consort Of Denmark
As queen consort, Thyra was far more than a ceremonial figure. Her title came with responsibilities that included advising the king and managing domestic affairs. Her intellect and leadership earned her the admiration of her subjects and the enduring respect of historians.
Julius Exner, Wikimedia Commons
With A Remarkable Gift
A husband giving his wife a gift was customary at this time. The Gesta Danorum mentions that Thyra demanded all of Denmark as her morning gift. It also states that Gorm had to wait until she had a vision of their marriage before she accepted the role of his wife.
TUBS, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
Another Lineage Was Suggested
The Jómsvíkinga saga, which relates Thyra to Klak Harald, mentions that she told Gorm the Old she wouldn't marry him until he built a wooden hut and slept in it for three nights. Different tales speak of dreams she later interpreted to anticipate that she would have a fruitful marriage.
Szilas, CC0, Wikimedia Commons
She Kept Her Country Safe
It's documented that Thyra played a significant role in fortifying the Danevirke, a defensive wall that protected Denmark's southern border. This project, attributed to her strategic foresight, demonstrates how her contributions went beyond traditional expectations for Denmark's survival and growth.
Olaus Magnus, Wikimedia Commons
Raising Danish Kings
Harald Bluetooth is the son of Queen Thyra and King Gorm the Old. He ruled between 958 and 986 CE and he's known to be the first king who introduced Christiniaty to Denmark. He ruled over Jutland and Zealand and became the King of Norway.
King Bluetooth's Influence
In 1997, the Bluetooth technology was named after King Harald Bluetooth. Scientists believed that it would unite devices the way he united Denmark. The Bluetooth logo is made of a Younger Futhark bind rune that features his initials.
Ed g2s, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
But Was He The Only Son?
However, some historians claim that Harald Bluetooth wasn't Thyra's only son. They also claim that she was the mother of Cnut or Canute the Great. Fewer accounts relate her to King Canute, but historians believe he ruled over the North Sea Empire.
Unknown Author, Wikimedia Commons
Canute The Great
Records show that Canute was the King of England, Norway, and Denmark. Medieval historian Norman Cantor claimed he was one of the most influential figures in Anglo-Saxon history. However, his connection to Queen Thyra is debated due to the conflict in dates.
John Cassell, Wikimedia Commons
King Canute And The Tide
King Canute's story is immortalized in King Canute and the Tide, a 12th century apocryphal. The story shows the king's humility as he tells his subjects that he has no control over the tide. It highlights the extent of divine power and how no man can stop it.
de Neuville, Wikimedia Commons
And A Bitter Ending
In the Jómsvíkinga saga, there's a conflict regarding Thyra's birth date and the time she had children. Since Klak Harald died in 846 and Harald Bluetooth passed away around 986, it's highly unlikely that Thyra was the daughter of the first and the mother of the second.
Vinicius Bacarin, Shutterstock
No Confirmation Is Available
Although some accounts mention that King Canute is indeed the son of Queen Thyra, this isn't an accepted historical fact. The dates don't add up and suggest that she probably wasn't the mother of Canute. Nevertheless, some medieval historians mentioned this relationship.
Joseph Martin Kronheim, Wikimedia Commons
Another Enigma
One of the more mysterious aspects of Thyra's life is the existence of her daughter, Gunnhild. Historical records provide conflicting accounts of her life and importance, with some suggesting she married into another powerful family to forge alliances that strengthened Denmark's influence.
Christian Krogh, Wikimedia Commons
Did Historians Leave Out Women?
Gunnhild's story highlights the limited documentation of women's lives in Viking history despite their significant roles in politics and society. She appeared in many sagas that confirmed she was the wife of Eric Bloodaxe, who ruled over Norway and parts of Scotland. However, her ancestry is a mystery.
Christian Krohg, Wikimedia Commons
Thyra's Influence On The Danish Court
Within the Danish court, Thyra's influence was profound. She often acted as a mediator in political disputes and a trusted advisor to her husband, Gorm the Old. She symbolized the importance of women in governance during a time when such roles were predominantly male-dominated.
August Carl Vilhelm Thomsen, Wikimedia Commons
The Legend Of Thyra And The Danevirke Fortifications
One of the most enduring legends surrounding Queen Thyra is her association with the Danevirke, a massive system of fortifications built to defend Denmark's southern borders. According to historical accounts, Thyra oversaw the strengthening and expansion of these defenses to keep her country safe.
Szilas, CC0, Wikimedia Commons
It Wasn't Hers
The Danevirke, or Danework, was built by the Danes in the 7th century. However, Thyra and other rulers made sure it stayed strong to protect the country from foreign invasions. The fortifications were made of trenches and walls and were last used during the Second Schleswig War.
Jørgen Valentin Sonne, Wikimedia Commons
But She Deceived An Emperor
Some accounts speak of how Thyra managed to deceive the German emperor. She ordered the construction of the Danevirke, which the emperor thought was to protect Germany from the Danish invasion. However, it was part of her plan to stop Denmark from being a tributary to the Kingdom of Germany.
Holger.Ellgaard, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
An Incredible Legacy
Queen Thyra's legacy comes from the runestones commissioned in her honor. Her husband, Gorm the Old, dedicated one of these stones to her memory, a rare tribute that highlights her exceptional importance. Later, her son Harald Bluetooth also honored her with a runestone, further cementing her status.
Denmark's Adornment
As written on her runestone, the epithet of Queen Thyra, Denmark's Adornment, highlights her role as a beloved and influential figure in the kingdom. It speaks to her ability to enhance Denmark's reputation and strength through her wisdom and strategic vision.
Unknown Author, Wikimedia Commons
Connection To Christianity In Denmark
Though Denmark was predominantly pagan during Thyra's lifetime, her son Harald Bluetooth later played a major role in the Christianization of the region. Some historians speculate that Thyra may have influenced her son's openness to Christianity, although no direct evidence of such influence exists.
Anagoria, CC BY 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
And Political Powers In A Male-Dominated Era
Her achievements as a queen and leader stand out in a Viking culture where political power was typically concentrated in male hands. Whether through advising her husband, overseeing projects like the Danevirke, or fostering strategic alliances, Thyra showed that leadership was not confined to gender.
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Thyra's Diplomatic Role
By marrying Gorm the Old, Thyra solidified ties between powerful clans. But her influence extended beyond her marital role as it's believed she was a shrewd negotiator who understood the value of maintaining peace and fostering mutual benefits through diplomacy.
The Establishment Of The Danish Monarchy
As the queen consort of Denmark's first recognized king, Thyra played a vital role in establishing the Danish monarchy. Thyra supported Gorm the Old in unifying the region. She also laid the groundwork for the structure of the royal lineage, which her son Harald Bluetooth would later solidify.
Influence On Viking Society
Through her contributions to projects like the Danevirke and her prominent mention in runestones, Thyra became a symbol of strength and intelligence for Viking women. Her leadership demonstrated that women could hold positions of significant power and command respect in a male-dominated culture.
Enduring Symbolism In Danish Culture
Even centuries after her life, Queen Thyra remains a symbol of wisdom in Danish culture. Her story, preserved through folklore, continues to resonate as a source of national pride. Modern depictions of Thyra often highlight her as a unifying figure who contributed to Denmark's foundation.
Some Say She Was Way Too Smart
Accounts speak of how witty Thyra was, especially compared to her husband. Some believe that she was a fiery force that helped him establish his dominance among the fighting clans. Nevertheless, since most stories were written after they both passed on, it's hard to confirm any of these tales.
But Her Mystery Still Lives On
Just like her mysterious date of birth, there's no evidence about her actual date of death. However, tales speak of her burial at the larger northern howe at Jelling, right next to Gorm the Old. This position suggests that she might have held more power than her husband.
National Museum of Denmark, Wikimedia Commons
Leaving More Questions
The name of Thyra is mentioned in all seven runestones at the royal site of Jelling. This exceeds the times Gorm the Old and Harald Bluetooth were mentioned. As a result, many historians suggest that she was more influential than both of them.
Jelling Stone: 3D scans reveal power of a Viking queen - BBC News by BBC News
In A Story Carved In Stone
Much of what we know about Thyra is carved in the Jelling stones. The oldest ones were raised by her husband, while some of the others were raised by her only confirmed son, Harald Bluetooth. These stones were probably brightly colored, but the paint has worn off.
Jelling Stone: 3D scans reveal power of a Viking queen - BBC News by BBC News
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