DANNEBROG 800

THE STORY OF AND

1 TEXTS: IVAR LEIMUS, THOMAS 06 INTRODUCTION LYNGBY, AIN MÄESALU, PER SEESKO, by METTE SKOUGAARD METTE SKOUGAARD, UNIVERSITY OF (HELEN LIIVER, MARI- 09 DENMARK AND ESTONIA TODAY LIIS SCHMIDT and MAARJA-HELEN by THE and THE TAMM), THE ESTONIAN INSTITUTE 17 ESTONIA BEFORE 1219 TRANSLATION AND EDITING: by AIN MÄESALU ERIKA JERET, ROGER EVANS 26 WARRING FOR GOD – THE BALTIC GRAPHIC DESIGN AND by METTE SKOUGAARD ILLUSTRATIONS: MOONIKA MAIDRE 33 ESTONIA UNDER DANISH RULE 1219–1346 Published by The Estonian Institute by PER SEESKO and City Museum 2019 41 ESTONIA DURING THE RULE OF DANISH KINGS by IVAR LEIMUS ISBN 978-9949-558-47-6 49 DANNEBROG. RELIGION, KINGDOM, NATION AND DEMOCRACY by THOMAS LYNGBY

55 DANNEBROG AND THE HISTORY OF THREE LIONS IN ESTONIA by IVAR LEIMUS

3 Christian August Lorentzen (1746 – 1828). The Dannebrog Falls from the Sky During the “Valdemar Battle“ at Lyndanisse 15 1219. 1809. Oil. National Gallery of Denmark, .

4 5 INTRODUCTION METTE SKOUGAARD, Director of The Museum of National History,

According to legend, the ”Danne- The turbulent beginning of the brog” fell from the sky during relation between the two nations the battle of Lyndanise in 1219, have long since been replaced with 800 years ago. The battle was the friendship, and in 2019 we can join starting point of a period of 127 in the celebration of the anniver- years, where Estonia and Denmark sary of the Dannebrog. had the same kings. Though 800 years may seem like a long time It is our hope that that through our ago, the relations established then joint projects specialists as well as have shown a strong impact on the public, will enhance our both nations. mutual knowledge of our history and thus strengthen the bonds View of the Danish King’s Garden. Estonia and Denmark share between Estonia and Denmark. Photo: Meeli Küttim / Tallinn City Museum important symbols with roots stemming from this period – the Dannebrog and the three lions. The Christian church, which the brought with them, has also connected the two nations in the same cultural sphere.

6 7 DENMARK AND ESTONIA TODAY THE ESTONIAN INSTITUTE & THE UNIVERSITY OF TARTU

anniversary in 2019 because it was in 1219 that the Estonian capital of Tallinn was first mentioned, its name denoted ‘Danish stronghold’ back then. Let us begin unfolding the Estonia-Denmark story from the last one hundred years and then have an 800-year leap into the past.

A Road of Official Relations Street art pieces of the Estonian artist The shared in the 20th Century Edward von Lõngus in Copenhagen, capital of Denmark. Photo: Ruudu Rahumaru and Estonia has reached the 21st century, a time when we can On the 24th of 1918, when proudly raise the Dannebrog and Estonia declared her independence the Estonian tricolour side by side. as a republic, it took three years These are symbols which differ only before Denmark recognised Estonia, in the year of birth: Danes consider and as indepen- 1219 as the birth of their , for dent states in 1921. The young it is 1884. Tallinn and state of Estonia had to pull through Dannebrog celebrate their 800th hard ordeals and gain victory over

8 9 Russian troops in the Estonian War of Independence (1918–1920), in which Danish volunteers fought side by side with Estonians and other allied forces for Estonia’s freedom.

In 1945–1991 Denmark did not acknowledge, similar to most Western states, the Soviet occupa- tion in Estonia, during this period official relations between Denmark and Estonia were minimal.

On August 26, 1991 four ministers of foreign affairs – from Estonia, Jānis Jurkāns from Latvia, Algirdas Saudargas from in 1994. Young Estonians are still Danish minister of foreign affairs Uffe Ellemann-Jensen and Estonian minister Lithuania and Uffe Ellemann-Jensen going to Denmark, for example to of foreign affairs Lennart Meri in Tallinn from Denmark, signed documents in study design and art, or agriculture. in 1991. Photo: Albert Truuväärt / Fredensborg which restored National Archives of Estonia diplomatic relations between Denmark and the . Sander´s story Since then we find more and more common stories, cultural exchanges, While considering Scandinavian and business relations. A key phrase universities he sifted out Denmark in Estonian-Danish relations today which had a wider selection of is defence cooperation. Since 2004, programmes in English. Living in Denmark and Estonia work together Denmark was made possible thanks under the NATO umbrella. Estonia to a study grant and as an EU has supported Danish soldiers in the citizen, Sander can apply for an and Iraq, and Danish soldiers allowance allowing him to focus have provided the with support on studies and removing the fear and defence in the air and on land. of how to manage everyday costs.

In the when greater opportu- He was interested in something nities opened up for travel, studies bordering art and mathematics and and cultural communication, many now studies multimedia design. young Estonians went to Danish In Copenhagen, blending in is not universities, people’s universities complicated for someone from and summer courses. A Danish Tallinn, there is a lot in common The Queen of Denmark visits Estonia. 27.-28.07.1992. From the left: Arnold Rüütel, language degree programme was between the two cities – similar Margrethe II, Prince Henrik, Ingrid Rüütel. launched in the University of Tartu architecture, climate and traditions. Photo: Ain Protsin/

10 11 In Cultural Fields Vinterberg) at in 2004, Lars von Trier´s “The Idiots” The Danish Cultural Institute at in 2010, ÖÖ... was one of the first foreign cultural “Adam’s Apples” by Kinoteater institutes to open an office in and Nargen Festival in 2016 and Estonia. Anybody who has ever “Breaking the Waves” (written by ÄÄÄ.. come into contact with Danish Lars von Trier, David Pirie, Peter culture has heard of Silvi Teesalu Asmussen and Vivian Nielsen) at the who was the head of the Estonian Theatre in Tartu in 2017. Ü office of Danish Cultural Institute from 1990 to 2014. In 1996, works by the Skagen Painters arrived in Tallinn: P.S. Krøyer, Probably because so many young Anna and Michael Ancher, Carl Locher Estonians visited Denmark in the and Holger Drachmann. Since then, 1990s and the our cooperation in art is character- was taught in Estonian universities, ised by exhibitions and joint proj- The average Dane takes life in a new generation of translators ects, and seminars are arranged and a more relaxed manner compared to emerged who eagerly started trans- Birgita Bonde Hansen has been visited mutually. In 2019 the Esto- Estonians and finds more time for lating into Esto- translating Estonian and Finnish nian is displaying Danish himself. Locals know how to enjoy nian. Besides H. C. Andersen, modern classics into Danish, alto- paintings again, for the first time the fruits of their public services and K. Blixen, M.A. Nexø and some other gether about 50 books, of them the crème de la crème of the Danish social welfare system, and have an Danish authors they gave Esto- about ten from Estonian authors. Golden Age is exhibited in Estonia. enjoyable lifestyle. nians a rich selection of literature The authors translated include including historical novels, crime Andrus Kivirähk, , Rein Talking about musical contacts we stories, poetry, modern novels, Raud, Ilmar Taska, Meelis Frieden- must note that Danish pop musi- Mads´s story plays, children’s, books etc. thal, Mihkel Mutt and Paavo Matsin. cians have been visiting Estonia In 2018 Hansen was awarded Kjeld since 1992. Danish music has Mads took an interest in Estonia Around two dozen titles have been Elfelts Mindelegat of the Blixen been performed at Estonia’s Rock during his secondary education, translated from Estonian into Literary Award and she has been Summer festivals, and more recently the chance gift of a study book of Danish, among them is the Esto- nominated three times for an in concert halls, festival stages the increased nian national epic “”, annual Cultural Endowment of and clubs. For example NHØP trio, his interest even further.“... living in published as early as in 1878, and Estonia award in the category of Volbeat, Get Your Gun, Efterklang, a country which recently regained over ten titles since the 1990s. IIt translating literature from Estonian singer MØ and many other artists independence, where building the is rather striking that most trans- into a foreign language. have performed in Estonia. The Viru country is in full swing seemed lations were either published in the festival, held at Käsmu more interesting than life in the 1990s or after 2010 with a long gap Interest in Danish plays has been village on the northern coast of “completed” Denmark.” Mads has between them. Translators from boosted through films, several film Estonia, was dedicated to Danish now lived in Estonia for many years Estonian into Danish can be literally scripts by the authors related to music and culture in 2015. Among and fulfilled another wish - in the counted on the fingers of one hand the Dogma 95 manifesto have been the many bands playing at the country’s centenary year (2018) he and then we should use both hands brought to stage successfully. For festival were the best Danish folk published a comprehensive book on to give them some well-deserved example “The Celebration” (written metal band Svartsot and romantic Estonia in the Danish language. applause. by Mogens Rukov and Thomas folktronic band Sorten Muld.

12 13 An Estonia-born composer and saxophone player Maria Faust has won high level awards in both Denmark and Estonia. For Maria, Estonia is a mystical place for drawing inspiration. She now lives in Denmark but comes to play in Estonia a few times every year. It is also interesting to note that one of the most famous Estonian conductors , was the chief conductor of Symphony

Orchestra from 1991 to 1996. Athletes of the two countries have competed in various events, partic- ularly frequently in ball games: football, handball, volleyball, ball. The top Estonian badminton player, Raul Must was 16 when he settled in Denmark to learn from the ’s best players. He has attended the Olympic Games in , London and Rio de Janeiro. Our countries have also competed in tennis where Kaia and have played against Caroline Wozniacki.

In all fields of life we have learned from each other and maintained good relations. What the Esto- nian-Danish relations were like centuries ago, you will find out in the following chapters.

14 15 ESTONIA BEFORE 1219 AIN MÄESALU archaeologist, University of Tartu

Lindanise Tarvanpää Loone Ageline Harju Järva

Riole Läänemaa Alempois Administrative Distribution initial stages in the development Soontagana of statehood. Estonia had about 150,000 in- Leole Mõhu habitants in the early 13th Towards the final centuries of Tartu century. They primarily lived on prehistory around 50 strongholds farms which, when located close were in use. Well-fortified strong- Ugandi to each other, formed villages. holds with permanent habitation Sakala Otepää Parishes were made up from were centres of power in which villages established in close noblemen lived with their families. proximity. At the beginning of Some strongholds were only used in the 13th century, there were times of war as refuges. about 45 parishes which formed . Altogether there were 8 larger counties, but in central Agriculture and Handicraft Estonia which had less external Map of Estonian counties and threat, 6 independent parishes The main activities for Estonian strongholds in the year 1200 or small counties were preserved. inhabitants were growing crops During the crusades starting in and raising animals, closely linked the early 13th century several to each other, as animal manure counties arranged war campaigns was probably already used used to together which indicates the fertilise fields. They mostly grew

16 17 winter rye and barley, but also be met in and Novgorod, and wheat, , peas and broad beans. even in , which had become Domestic animals included cattle, the trading centre of the , sheep, pigs, horses and chickens. and probably even further out.

Estonians lived in rectangular Imported goods mostly comprised wooden cross-beam which of silver, bronze, salt, good weapons, measured on average 20–30 m2. fine textiles and other luxuries. For example fragments of silk clothes Many essential tools and utensils decorated in brocade and sections as well as buildings, clothes and of brocade ribbons have been found footwear were made by members in Estonia. of the farm family. In certain handi- craft areas specialised masters were Raw iron manufactured from at work. iron was exported and in quanti- ties possibly reaching several tons. Smelting iron from local bog iron ore In addition, furs and wax were was very important. By the end of exported, eagerly sought after in prehistory there were a few centres Western . Written records for producing iron, achieving on have shown that Estonians were average 10-15 tons of iron a year. also involved in re-selling goods and Blacksmiths made over 50 different slaves gained in war campaigns. types of items for various purposes: weapons, tools and household items. Trading places developed near harbours and the junctions of Also by the end of prehistory, major roads which also featured a masters of bronze jewellery central stronghold and settlement. appeared, making pins, brooches, These places had more artisans neck rings, bracelets and rings. who sold their products. Tallinn was Silversmith items had achieved a developing into a major harbour in high level of craftsmanship. Local . There were no types of silver jewellery developed, true with the special rights such as breast plates, wide brace- of towns in Estonia at the end of Lime tree in the Ilumäe lets, horseshoe-shaped brooches prehistory. Photo: Ella Kari and plaited curved neck rings.

Religion Trade Estonians’ religious views consisted Local merchants were well involved of belief in souls and spirits. The in international trade by the end of soul was considered a carrier of prehistory. Estonian traders could a person’s individuality and an

18 19 essential element in keeping the offerings were made for them. For body alive. People thought that this purpose certain cult or sacrifi- during sleeping the soul could cial places existed – sacred groves temporarily leave the body, travel or individual trees, springs, boulders, around and sometimes even enter less frequently hills, lakes and rivers. another creature. In the case of death, the soul permanently left By the end of the period, Christi- the body and may have transferred anity was not entirely unknown in to a new “home” - a sacred grove Estonia because people communi- or . cated and traded with Christianised neighbours – , Denmark and Burial rituals testify that they . Influences of Christian faith believed in the afterlife. The can be seen in the evolution of deceased were given jewellery, tools, some habits. For example, the burial utensils, arms and food in their of people instead of cremation on graves. Food and drink were taken a funeral pyre and jewellery finds to graves even some time after a show cross-shaped pendants. person had passed when commem- oration meals were held there. It Western sources describe the was believed that the dead souls first evidence of an attempt to kept influencing a family’s life in Christianise Estonians in the 11th the future. People thought that in century. The Archbishop of late autumn ‒– the time of souls – ‒ started a Danish mission in about the souls of the dead travelled and 1165, when monk Fulco, originally visited their homes. Food was left from , was consecrated a out on the table for them at night. bishop of Estonia. Thereafter the Pope issued a bull appointing Nico- It was believed that animals, birds, laus, an Estonian monk living in a fish, insects, plants and trees as well monastery in Stavanger, , as as water bodies, rocks, the sun and Fulco’s assistant. Fulco and Nicolaus moon, etc., also possessed a soul may have visited Estonia but there and that nature featured certain is no record of their activity. spirits, who guarded and protected nature. Of Estonian deities only the god “Tarapitha”, mentioned Relations with Neighbours in the Livonian Chronicle of Henry, is known, who, according to the Relations with neighbours were A Late village. Drawing: Jaana Ratas. chronicler, was born in Virumaa and predominantly peaceful. Every now flew to Saaremaa from there. and then conflicts occurred and mutual looting raids and warring Souls, spirits and god(s) had to be campaigns took place. Relations gotten along well with, therefore with neighbouring nations, close

20 21 linguistically, such as , Estonians who conquered and In the summer of 1211 the Esto- Thereafter , elder of , and Votians were burnt down the of nians were planning to take a Sakala, gathered 6,000 troops probably good. With Baltic nations in Sweden in 1187. In 1203 troops larger joint army gathered from from six counties. They also invited living to the south – and from Saaremaa carried out a looting several counties against the Livo- Russian troops in order to attack Lithuanians quarrels and armed raid to Listerby, located in Blekinge, nian stronghold of Toreida, and together. A crusaders’ army conflicts occurred more frequently nowadays Swedish, but part of after its defeat also attack Riga. however attempted to forestall according to Henry of . Denmark until 1658. However, the Estonian army was the arrival of the and crushed at Toreida. The dukes of marched from Riga to Sakala. The From time to time armed conflicts Novgorod and Pskov competed with Battle of St Matthew’s Day saw the broke out with the eastern neigh- Commence a Crusade the German conquests and also Estonians defeated and southern bours, Russians. Russian chronicles organised campaigns into Estonia had to capit- mention war campaigns organised In the third quarter of the 12th in 1210 and 1212. The Estonians, ulate to Germans again, in 1218 by dukes of Pskov and Novgorod century German merchants became who were exhausted by war and Läänemaa also surrendered primarily to eastern Estonia. These active and set up foothold offices plague, concluded a truce for three to Christianisation. sources also describe counter-cam- in and Novgorod. On their years with Germans, Livonians and paigns made by Estonians, though. way to Russia they met Livonians Latvians in 1212. Although German crusaders made at the mouth of the Daugava River. another raid into the western part Similarly, Danish and Swedish state German reached the of Rävala county in February 1219, and clerical authorities arranged through the go-betweening of In the winter of 1215 crusaders people in Saaremaa and northern campaigns to Estonian territories, merchants. Some Livonians refused attacked Läänemaa county in the Estonian counties were still inde- which were probably mainly related to accept the Christian faith and and North-Sakala county. pendent. They apparently did to Christianisation. According to bitterly fought back. Bishop Albert In the the Estonians gath- not know that Albert, Bishop of Danish sources, King Canute VI arrived from in 1200 with ered troops from four counties and Riga had met King Valdemar II at organised a campaign to Estonia a sizeable army of crusaders, estab- made a sea and land campaign the Danish Diet in Schleswig on in 1196 or 1197. In 1206 Danish lished Riga as the bridgehead and against Riga which was unsuc- 24 June 1218, who had made a King Valdemar II made a massive set up the Order of the Brothers of cessful. Constant raids in summer promise to sail a fleet to Estonia crusading campaign with bishops the Sword. 1215 forced Ugandi people to the following year. and a large number of troops to surrender and accept , Saaremaa island where they may In 1208, after defeating Livonians Sakala county then followed suit. have also started building a strong- and Latvians, the German crusaders When the Duke of Pskov attacked hold. Saaremaa inhabitants vigor- launched a campaign against the Ugandi in 1216, the locals requested ously fought back and made the Estonians, being supported by and indeed received military help intruders leave. additional troops of Latvians and from the Germans. Together they Livonians. Initially the war only strengthened the Otepää strong- At the same time Estonians concerned Ugandi and Sakala hold and carried out a successful also made looting raids and war counties. Mostly looting raids to raid into Russia. In February 1217 campaigns across the Baltic Sea. In each other’s territories were carried a large army of Russians with 1170, soldiers of the Danish king’s out and some strongholds were Saaremaa, Sakala and Ugandi fleet defeated, after a two-day besieged. Estonians achieved their troops besieged Otepää strong- battle, Estonian and Curonian first major victory in the Battle of hold. Following their victory the troops who had arrived on the coast Ümera in 1210 which was a great Germans were forced to give up the of Öland for looting. It was probably encouragement. conquered territory of Estonia.

22 23 Bishop expels the Wendish fleet from the Danish coasts, 1184. Painter: Carl Rasmussen, 1879.

24 25 From 1146 to 1157 Denmark was The Danish crusaders sailed from split up between several kings. This Blekinge along the Swedish archi- WARRING internal division weakened the pelago coast on to the Åland country, and Danish coastal areas and along the Finnish coast to FOR GOD – were ravaged and colonised by the Estonia. In the longer term, it was . But, after Valdemar the the Swedish crusaders who settled THE BALTIC Great had become the sole King of permanently in , while the Denmark in 1157, the Danes could Danish crusades then concentrated CRUSADES finally fight back and conduct on Estonia. campaigns against the heathen METTE SKOUGAARD, Wends south of the Baltic Sea. In 1202, when Valdemar the Victo- Director of The Museum Valdemar’s efforts culminated in rious succeeded his brother, Canute of National History, the conquest of the Wends’ sacred VI as king, he immediately started Frederiksborg Castle capital of Arkona on the island of to make preparations for a crusade. Rügen, together with the destruc- According to the chronicler, Henry tion of their sacred statue of the of Livonia, this was because the god Svantevit. heathens on the island of Saaremaa off the coast of Estonia had Following the fall of Arkona, Pope attacked the Danish possessions Alexander issued a series of letters in Blekinge and plundered Gotland instructing in the on their way home. Accordingly, The shared history of Denmark and remainder of the Baltic were Scandinavian countries to fight Valdemar was compelled to defend Estonia is inextricably linked to just about two of the last areas heathens in such faraway countries his countries by preparing an the formidable European crusade in that were not as Estonia and Finland, endorsing attack. However, there was also movement, in which the kings of Christian. The papal bull, Divini these campaigns as crusades with another explanation. The Baltic Denmark became actively involved dispensatione (The Divine Dispen- his apostolic authority. crusades were actively supported at a very early stage. The crusades sation) issued by Pope Eugenius by Pope Innocent III, and could be resulted from the Council of Cler- III in 1147 represented the Pope’s linked directly to the strange case mont in 1095, a synod at which approval for the Christians in From the Wends to the Estonians of Valdemar’s sister, Ingeborg of Pope Urban II gained backing for Northern Europe to crusade in the Denmark. In 1193 she had married a mission to the Holy Land. The instead of the Medi- Valdemar was succeeded by his the French king, Philip II Augustus, intention was to win back Jerusalem terranean area. So, in the name of son, Canute, who continued the who dismissed her the day after and Bethlehem for the Christians. crusading, a number of campaigns crusades against the Wends with their wedding. She lived in virtual According to tradition, the Danish first targeted the Wends and then huge success. As a result, around captivity. The Pope exploited Inge- prince, Sweyn the Crusader (c. 1050- the peoples of the Baltic, Finland 1187 he could assume the title of borg to promote his crusading 1097), son of Sweyn Estridsen, took and Russia. For the Danish ‘King of the Wends’: a title that goals. Each time Valdemar prom- part in this first crusade. these campaigns against areas was borne by Danish monarchs until ised to go on a crusade, Innocent along the Baltic Sea constituted an 1972. Following the victory over attempted to pressure the French Following the conquest of Jeru- important strategic opportunity for the Wends, the Danish crusades king into taking Ingeborg back. In salem in 1099, the crusades the expansion and consolidation of could now extend further east, and other words, Valdemar’s prepara- targeted two other areas: the power and security of both the King Canute personally took part tions for a crusade in 1202 were and the Baltic. Estonia and the King and the nation. in a crusade to Finland in 1191. part of a larger political game.

26 27 In 1206, a crusade fleet sailed to from Riga. One of the reasons for fifty years earlier had formed having trouble maintaining control, Saaremaa led by Archbishop Anders Sweden’s participation was the fact the setting for his father’s major to the . () Sunesen, a friend of Inno- that for generations the Estonians Baltic crusade. cent’s from their student days. In had sailed across the Baltic Sea to The payment that Valdemar 1204 Sunesen had been appointed attack Swedish territory. Around 1500, Danish historians received helped to make it possible papal nuncio for the entire Nordic described how the Dannebrog flag for him to retrieve his mortgaged region with special responsibility King Valdemar arrived in Estonia had dropped from the sky during kingdom. for mission and crusade. The Danes with a vast Danish fleet of 1,500 this battle as a sign, precisely when landed and defeated the Estonian ships. Even if the figure is only the Danes found themselves in the The last Danish king to seek the resistance. They managed to build slightly realistic, he mobilised all most critical situation, and how Pope’s indulgence for the partici- a wooden fortress, but it had to be the warriors he could get his hands with this new Christian banner they pants of a mission was Christian abandoned and burned down as the on, employing both the lething were able to prevail. The event took II (king 1513–1523). He wanted to winter approached, and the Esto- (a system that divided Denmark place on the 15th of June, which is recapture and convert it nians made it far too unsafe to stay into a number of districts with national in Denmark. to Christianity, and to open up an on Saaremaa. sailed naval responsibilities) and entirely new crusade route to the to Riga, where he spent the winter noblemen and their private armies. Holy Land via Asia. A few years later making plans for future crusades. Archbishop Anders Sunesen and The Mission in Estonia the Lutheran put an Some were immediately initiated several other bishops took part. The end to all plans for pan-European in Livonia. Missionaries were sent Danes began to build a new fortress Following the Battle of Lyndanise, crusades, when the Pope lost his there and churches were built in the near Lyndanise: Danskeborgen. This the Danes established a fortress, role as a unifying authority. area around Riga. eventually became the Estonian which, though besieged by the capital, Tallinn. The Estonians met Estonians in 1220 and 1223, In 1213, Pope Innocent III decided Valdemar, surrendered and agreed managed to resist attack. In the to concentrate all forces on Jeru- to convert to Christianity. However years that followed, the entire salem and revoked his indulgence this was just a ploy and three days northern part of the Estonian for all other crusades, including later during dinner they suddenly territory came under Danish control those in the Baltic. However, Bishop attacked the Danish army from five and led to the establishment of the Albert of Riga and Anders Sunesen different sides. The Danes, on the Duchy of Estonia. succeeded in gaining permission to point of losing, fled. It was only recruit new crusaders for Livonia thanks to Vistlav of Rügen that During the 1320s and 30s the and to promise them indulgences, they were saved. He had hidden revenues of the Danish kings, and and Innocent issued a new papal under the with his and with that the power over the whole crusader bull for the Danes. After now galloped directly against the country, had been turned over the ecumenical council in in Estonians, just as they were certain to foreign, in particular Holstein, 1215, only two important areas of that they had won the battle. . So in 1340, when Valdemar crusade had equal status: the Holy The fortunes of war changed. The Atterdag became king, he imme- Land; and Livonia on the Baltic Sea. Danes now rallied around the king diately embarked on the task of The crusades in the Baltic were together with the German vassals redeeming and reunifying the resumed and strengthened, Estonia and fought hard against the Esto- Danish kingdom. Repeated in a became the major target in the nians until they forced them to sentence as a paragraph. Probably north and was attacked by Swedish, retreat. So Valdemar was rescued best to delete from here. In 1346 Danish and German crusaders by a vassal from Rügen, which just he sold Estonia, where he had been

28 29 The Battle of Lyndanise. Study for a history painting for the Museum of National History at Frederikborg which was never realized. Painted by Henrik Olrik, 1885.

30 31 ESTONIA UNDER DANISH RULE 1219–1346 PER SEESKO, Curator and Collection Manager, The Museum of National History, Frederiksborg Castle

From 1219–1346 a number of Danish Estonia. The decades that followed kings and royals held the title were marked by competition for of Duke of Estonia (dux Estoniae). the supremacy of the Estonian The Danish conquest of northern territories between King Valdemar Estonia was not followed by and other crusaders and mission- a large Danish settlement, but aries active in the region. What’s the successive Danish rulers issued more, in May 1223 King Valdemar laws and regulations that were of was taken prisoner by one of his great importance for their subjects vassals in Northern Germany. in Estonia. The king’s protracted captivity and subsequent struggle to Valdemar II and His Sons recapture his lost dominions in Northern Germany resulted After the victory at Lyndanise in in a decisive defeat in 1227, obvi- 1219, King Valdemar II consoli- ously hampering any effective dated his power in the area by efforts in Estonia. Here, the Sword constructing a new castle on the Brethren, a religious military order site, and appointed one of his sons, founded in Livonia in 1202, took Christoffer II (1319-1326 and again 1329-1332). Canute, Duke of Estonia. But this control of the Danish possessions. Tapestry by Hans Knieper, ca. 1581-1585. The National Museum of Denmark did not yet secure Danish rule in However, it was roundly defeated

32 33 at the hands of the pagan Lithua- In ecclesiastical matters, the bish- there, as one source expresses it: 1600, also recounted how, in 1270, nians, and in the so-called Treaty opric of Tallinn was subject to the to protect the new converts there Drost Matthias was sent to Livonia of Stensby from 1238, Tallinn and Danish archbishopric in Lund. Like against “pagans and barbarians”. to come to the rescue of the king’s the three Northern Estonian prov- the vice-regents at the castle in Some sources also mention Danish garrison in Tallinn, which was under inces of Harrien, Virland and Jerven Tallinn, the bishops were often participation in the crusades against siege by Russians, and were confirmed as Danish posses- Danish by birth and, as a rule, the Russian principalities east of Lithuanians. sions. Jerven, however, was ceded appointed by the king. In the Danish Estonia in the years around 1240. to the Teutonic Order, another era, several monasteries were Margaret Sambiria died in 1282, and religious military order, originally also founded both in and outside in 1286 her son, Erik V Klipping, who founded in the Holy Land, which Tallinn. Just like the ecclesiastical From Margaret Sambiria had retained the formal supremacy replaced the Sword Brethren institutions and the king’s vassals to Erik VI in Estonia, was murdered at home as a new and important factor in Estonia, the city of Tallinn also in Denmark. His son, Erik VI Menved, in the Baltic countries around sought to have its rights and priv- When Christoffer I died in 1259, his had not yet come of age, but when this time. ileges confirmed or even expanded son, Erik V Klipping was still a minor. he assumed control, it was with under the successive Danish rulers. So for a time a regency under the the ambition to re-establish Danish Thus, when Valdemar II died in In 1248, Valdemar II’s son, Erik IV, auspices of his mother, the Queen domination in the Baltic Sea. 1241, the boundaries of the Danish granted the city permission to func- Dowager Margaret Sambiria, ruled Among other initiatives, he sought possessions in Estonia had been tion under the law of the leading the possessions of the Crown of to promote trade in his Estonian established. The senior representa- Hanseatic city, Lübeck. The popula- Denmark, including Estonia. In 1266, possessions. In 1294 he promised to tive of the Danish Crown was the tion of Tallinn included Estonians, when King Erik had assumed his protect the overland trade routes king’s vice-regent (capitaneus) at Scandinavians and Germans, and regal powers, he gave his mother of the Hanseatic merchants to the castle in Tallinn. Royal castles in 1285 the city was admitted into Estonia and Virland as a special Novgorod. The many regulations were also built in Rakvere (Wesen- the . The city’s administrative area. Bearing the regarding Estonia issued during berg) and later . Vassals, merchants and artisans were organ- title ‘Lady of Estonia’ (domina Esto- his reign underline the general who received their possessions as ised in , and names such as niae), she ruled it from Nykøbing interest he showed in the duchy. fiefdoms from the Danish king, the Saint Canute’s and Saint in southern Denmark. Among However, in 1303, when Erik Menved to whom they pledged allegiance, Olav’s Guild are evidence of the other initiatives, she sought to appointed his brother Christoffer managed the rural areas. In return, links to . The Saint secure the defence of Tallinn. In Duke of Estonia for a period of six they were entitled to certain reve- Canute’s guilds, which existed in 1265 she ordered the counsellors years, he encountered opposition nues and were in charge of local many Danish market towns, were and citizens of Tallinn to fortify the from his Estonian vassals. They judicial administration. Judging named after the canonized Canute city, also encouraging the Estonian made it quite clear that the king from King Valdemar’s Census Book, Lavard, who was the great-grandfa- vassals to contribute. A Russian had no right to separate the vassals a manuscript dating from around ther of Valdemar II, and from whom attack across the River Narva in from the Danish crown. They seem 1230–1240, the vassals at this all the Danish kings, who also ruled 1268 must have also underlined the to have had no interest in replacing time numbered both Danes and Estonia, were descended. Denmark continued necessity of taking the the Danish king with another Estonians. The very fact that the was plagued by conflict during the defence of Estonia into considera- master. Around this time, the royal Census Book, which lists the reve- reign of Erik IV and his two brothers, tion. According to a brief entry in a vassals in Estonia had asserted nues of the king, contains exten- Abel and Christoffer I, who vied for medieval Danish yearbook, a drost (a themselves more strongly. In 1259, sive records of estates in Estonia, power and succeeded each other on senior official) and other Danes fell for the first time, the vassals are serves to emphasise the coun- the throne. King Erik never seems in Estonia around this time. Arild seen to act as a unified group try’s importance to the kings of to have visited Estonia himself, but Huitfeldt, who wrote a compre- or corporation. Some time prior Denmark at this time. he certainly planned expeditions hensive history of Denmark around to 1282, an assembly of 12 men,

34 35 elected from among the vassals, intended to confirm this transfer as constituted a kind of royal council, soon as he became king, but in 1334 taking part in the government of he suffered defeat at the hands the duchy together with the king’s of the counts of Holstein and was vice-regent in Tallinn. imprisoned until 1340.

That same year, his brother, The End of Danish Rule Valdemar IV Atterdag was elected in Estonia king. Bit by bit, he won Denmark back through conquests or redemp- Christoffer II followed his brother tion of the mortgaged parts of on the throne in 1319. However, the kingdom. However, he would he soon lost control of much of also be the last Danish king to rule Denmark, and from 1326-1329 he Estonia. In 1340 and 1341 plans for was even replaced by the young a sale of the duchy were resumed, , Valdemar (III). but they could not be concluded After regaining the throne in 1329, at the time. Instead, the deci- he promised that Estonia would sive event was the great peasant never be separated from the Danish uprising that broke out in 1343. crown. As a testament to his diffi- The Estonian peasants initiated a cult position, he nevertheless siege of Tallinn, but the besieging endowed one of his former oppo- army was defeated by a rescue nents with Estonia as a hereditary army commanded by the Livonian fiefdom shortly afterwards, though Master of the Teutonic Order, whom this was never realised. the royal vassals and counsellors then entrusted with the country’s Christoffer II’s death in 1332 was defence, though stressing that it followed by eight years without a was a temporary arrangement. Once king. His sons, Otto and Valdemar the rebellion was suppressed, King sought to win back their Danish Valdemar sent the nobleman Stig kingdom. Otto, the elder of the two, Andersen from Denmark to Estonia, held the title “junker of the Danes, to establish royal authority on his Duke of Estonia and ”, and behalf. However, in reality the royal Estonia was one of the few posses- castles remained in the possession sions he could still command in his of the Order. efforts to win the Danish crown. Queen Margrethe Sambiria (died 1282). Sculpted tomb in the monastery church Christoffer II left behind an unpaid In 1346 Valdemar sold his Estonian of Doberan in Mecklenburg. Pictured by the dowry after his daughter Margrete’s possessions to the Order. In an open painter Chr. Tilemann Petersen, 1914. – Oil on canvas. The Museum of National History marriage to Margrave Louis of letter, the king explained that his at Frederiksborg Castle Brandenburg in 1324, and in 1333 brother Otto now wished to enter Otto promised Estonia to his the Teutonic Order and would bring brother-in-law, the Margrave. Otto the duchy of Estonia with him

36 37 upon his entry. The king, therefore, List of Kings released his subjects in Estonia from their allegiance and directed 1202–1241 them to the Teutonic Order as Valdemar II “The Victorious” their new masters. The payment of (1170–1241) 19,000 marks that Valdemar never- theless received enabled him to pay 1241–1250 what he owed Brandenburg. Funds Erik IV ”Plovpenning” were even left over, which Valdemar (1216–1250) could use in his efforts to become king of the whole of Denmark. The 1250–1252 sale must be viewed in the light of Abel the king’s endeavour to win back (1218–1252) his mortgaged kingdom. 1252–1259 We know that Otto was dressed in Christoffer I the habit of the Teutonic Order and (1219–1259) placed in a position of command. 1248 married Margaret Sambiria But that is the last we hear of him. (died 1282) Almost 130 years after the conquest of Valdemar the Victorious, this 1259–1286 also marked the end of the story of Erik V “Klipping” Danish rule in Estonia. (1249–1286)

1286–1319 Erik VI “Menved” (1274–1319)

1319–1326 and again 1329–1332 Christoffer II (1276–1332)

1326–1329 Valdemar III (1315–1364)

1332–1340 Period without a king

1340–1375 The letter by which King Valdemar IV “Atterdag” on 29 August 1346 sold Estonia Valdemar IV “Atterdag” to the Teutonic Order. Original in Riksarkivet, (1320–1375) , Sweden.

38 39 ESTONIA DURING THE RULE OF DANISH KINGS

IVAR LEIMUS, Historian, Curator and Researcher

Although Danish kings ruled Estonia ruled Estonia until 1346, when for over a century, their rule was Valdemar IV sold his Estonian lands not without interruption. King to the German Order. Valdemar II and the Archbishop of Lund, Andreas Sunesen, led a Estonia’s status in Denmark was campaign in which Northern Estonia not exactly clear. Danish kings were – Rävala, Harjumaa, Virumaa and usually also dukes of Estonia but it Järvamaa counties were conquered was not mentioned in their offi- and Christianised in 1219–1220. cial titles. The Danish crown was Bishop Modena Wilhelm (William far away and was represented by a of Modena), legate of Pope Hono- regent (capitaneus) who resided on rius II, and Wilhelm’s vice-legate in Tallinn. magister Johannes, however, managed to push the Danes out During and after the conquest from Estonia between 1225 and indigenous people were baptised 1227. The Brothers of the Sword and their lands were handed over The High Altar of the Church of the Holy then settled in Tallinn. The politics to vassals. In terms of , Spirit in Tallinn. Bernt Notke’s workshop, 1483. The external moving wing depicting of the following Pope, Gregorius IX most Danish vassals were German St Elisabeth and the medieval forced the Germans to return the but initially some liegemen were of Tallinn (Iin modern times this developed into the Lesser coat of arms of Tallinn). conquered territories, except for of Danish or Estonian origin. Fairly Photo: Stanislav Stepaško Järvamaa in 1238. Denmark then soon following the conquest

40 41 Northern Estonian vassals set up and women’s clothes”. It is also The most important activity for the Harju-Viru Knighthood, first the first time when written sources Tallinn certainly was intermediate mentioned in writing in 1252. It mention citizens (cives) of Tallinn, trade. Between the 1270s and is considered that by 1282 at the however, where they actually lived is 1290s Danish kings issued a number latest, the Land Council, usually not known. of decrees in order to safeguard consisting of 12 representatives of German and Gotland cargo ships in local nobility had started meeting Archaeological evidence points to Estonian waters on their trips to at the Danish regent’s residence, the fact that life went on beneath Novgorod. Russian furs and wax were the council was the supreme admin- the castles not only in the early the main export articles sold to the istrative and judicial body of Harju decades of the 13th century but west, in return, fine textiles, salt and The earliest coin minted on the territory of Estonia, a bracteate of Valdemar II. Minted and Viru counties. also, in its latter decades and silver were offered. A major propor- in Tallinn in 1219/1220 by the Danish, one-sided, was particularly apparent in the tion of this trade went through nominal value one . In church matters, Denmark’s second half of the century. The Tallinn, with its merchants making Estonian lands came under the first edifices in town were made of a handsome income and this wealth Bishop of Tallinn’s diocese. The timber but towards the end of the being expressed in ever larger public bishop had no land estates, except 13th century stone dwellings and buildings and dwellings. A favourable for and strongholds. outhouses were being built. The location between the west and east Early plans for setting up a Virumaa street network as we know it, devel- secured Tallinn an important place bishopric were soon abandoned, the oped in broad terms by the early in the Hanseatic League which was Bishop of Tallinn was subordinated 14th century. At about the same forming at the time. to the Danish Archbishopric of Lund time the centre of town life focused (since 1658 Sweden). around the marketplace in today’s Although lots of immigrants from Square, where people Germany, Scandinavia and else- Tallinn became the centre of from neighbouring villages came where settled in Tallinn for its Estonia when ruled by Denmark. to sell their farm produce and take trading position, Estonians always First, building works commenced home town goods. accounted for the largest nation- on Toompea Hill, where the Danish ality group. Among town dwellers Fragment of the seal of Tallinn’s Bishop Thorkill (1238?–1260). Collection of the started constructing a stone castle. Tallinn’s economy was strongly we need to distinguish citizens Institute of History and Archaeology, University The first wooden church may have founded on international trade. As who were independent in terms of Tartu. been erected on Toompea soon early as in the 1250s the people of of property and paid citizen tax. after the 1219 conquest. The epis- Tallinn showed support to Lübeck During the Danish rule no national- copal church made of stone was town council because of the ity-based restrictions were imposed completed around 1240. In the injustice which fell upon German on becoming a citizen, therefore in the so called Small and merchants in Novgorod, stating the early period, many Estonians Great castles were constructed on that both towns belonged together became citizens. Wealthier citizens Toompea for the Brothers of the like the two arms of crucified Jesus. of Tallinn joined the Saint Canute Sword and vassals but other people In 1285, Norwegian king Erik II and Saint Olaf’s guilds. Written may have already resided in them Magnusson mentioned Tallinn among sources mention them in 1326 and as well. It was in 1227 or 1233 when members of the emerging Hanseatic 1341 respectively but the guilds the Brothers were reported to have movement. In the early 14th century may have existed in the previous robbed “goods of lots of merchants, the people of Tallinn concluded century. The Danish-period guilds all household belongings of citizens trading deals with bayliffs of Finland. brought together not only artisans

42 43 as in later centuries, but also Michael Cistercian nunnery was also merchants and perhaps people from located in the town, it was probably other walks of life. set up by the Danish court in the late 1240s. Even earlier, during the With the expansion of the number rule of the Order of the Brothers of inhabitants in town, relations of the Sword, Dominican friars may required more regulation. In 1248 have arrived in Tallinn but they did King IV of Denmark (Eric not succeed in establishing their Ploughpenny) issued a document, convent then. A new attempt was in which he allowed citizens of made in 1248. The convent was Tallinn to use “all the rights that at first on Toompea and Domin- citizens of Lübeck have”. Lübeck icans moved it to Vene Street in Law was fully enforced in Tallinn the Lower Town in the late 13th slightly later, in 1257 by King Chris- century. The “” of Holy Spirit, toffer I. In the 1248 document later almshouse of Holy Spirit is members of Tallinn town council first recorded in 1319. Perhaps at are first mentioned, who received first it was not only intended to judicial powers in Tallinn beside the become a refuge but also an accom- Danish regent. During the Danish modation for travellers. Outside rule the 24-member council oper- the town, the St John’s almshouse ated in two shifts, the first being for lepers was established, first the acting council, and the second recorded in a document by Modena being the previous council. The Wilhelm in 1237. jurisdiction of magistrates grew incrementally. In 1284 the Bishop The developing town also needed of Tallinn transferred clerical rights defences. In 1265 Queen Margaret in the Lower Town to the town issued an order to the town council council. The construction of Tallinn and vassals to secure the town with Town Hall may have started around walls and ramparts. Construction of that time too, initially the building fortifications may have been given a had one floor and a cellar. It is first boost in 1310, when the king’s repre- found in written records in 1322. sentative, Johannes Canne formulated the town’s rights and In religious life, the people of Tallinn obligations in building and extending Tallinn codex of Lübeck law. 1282. Detail. belonged to two congregations - the town’s defensive structures. By Tallinn City Archives Niguliste and Oleviste (St Nicholas the end of the Danish rule the first and St Olaf). The building of both wall, much lower than today, was churches began in the 13th century almost complete. Thus it can be said but no records have survived as that it was during the slightly more to when they were established. than 100 years of Danish rule that St Olaf’s church is first mentioned both the institutions and historical in 1267, St Nicholas only in 1315. St milieu of Tallinn were established.

44 45 The coat of arms of Denmark The

46 47 DANNEBROG. RELIGION, KINGDOM, NATION AND DEMOCRACY THOMAS LYNGBY Head of Research and Curator, The Museum of National History, Frederiksborg Castle

Dannebrog as a Sign of the II, Christian Danes were in battle Assistance Granted by God and against the heathen Livonians in the Clergy to the King a place called Fellin. On the point of Denmark of defeat, they humbly beseeched God for assistance. Their prayer At the beginning of the 16th was immediately answered with a century, Danish historians were banner falling from the sky in the aware of miraculous events, form of a white cross imprinted which occurred during the crusade on a lambskin. A celestial voice of Valdemar II the Conqueror informed them that simply by (king in 1202-1241) in Estonia 300 holding the banner high up in the years earlier. Around 1527, the air, they would immediately crush Franciscan monk, Peder Olsen their enemies and achieve outright (c. 1490-1570) cited older sources victory. This is exactly what and made a case for a story that happened. While Peder Olsen took was to become part of the Danes’ this flag to be the Dannebrog, he collective consciousness. believed that the event must be Valdemar IV’s coat of arms and standard, linked to a major battle, which as depicted in Wabenboek Gelre (c. 1370-86). This is the oldest-known coloured illustration One of Olsen’s sources recounts Valdemar the Conqueror fought of the Danish flag. Bibliothèque Royale Albert 1er how, in the year of our Lord 1208, when he landed in Estonia in 1219: (The Royal Library of ). and during the reign of Valdemar the Battle of Lyndanise.

48 49 In Peder Olsen’s day, the Danne- 1194. At this time, the lions were battles against on the of explanation were not scientific, brog was the main standard of used by princes of various coun- Iberian peninsula, and Valdemar these phenomena might very well the army, so a well-established tries, who claimed their the Conqueror’s queen, Bengerd have been interpreted as divine legend was linked to its genesis. and did not recognize the Holy (c. 1197-1221) was a Portuguese intervention in crucial events. Is The oldest extant source, in which Roman Emperor as their overlord. princess. That means that people it possible that the design of the a coloured Dannebrog is associated One of these was Canute VI, King in Denmark may also have heard Dannebrog originated in a real light with the Danish crown, is the Dutch of Denmark. The lions seem to about the miracle in . phenomenon prior to, or during the Wapenboek Gelre, which features have been regarded as symbolic Battle of Lyndanise? It is a fasci- the coats of arms of secular and protection against the eagle that 19th-century Danish historians nating notion, but one that is never clerical princes and their vassals. It was used by the Emperor. The fact sought an explanation of the myth likely to be proved or disproved. was compiled c. 1370-86. For the that, at least since 1277, Tallinn’s that could be maintained within Danish king Valdemar IV, who also seal impression has included the context of a world governed ruled Estonia until 1346, it depicts three heraldic leopards is directly by natural laws and politics. In The Flag of the King, a shield with a yellow background connected to Danish rule. 1873, Caspar Paludan-Müller came the Army and the Navy and three , crowned lions up with the hypothesis that, prior surrounded by fringed water lilies. So it appears that Valdemar the to the crusade, the Pope had sent There is no secure evidence of Here, as in other early represen- Conqueror brought the lions to the king the standard as a sign of Danish kings’ use of the actual tations, the lions are portrayed as Estonia. However, what is less support and sanction. Two years Dannebrog until the aforemen- what in are referred to certain is whether he took the later, the similarity of the Danne- tioned Wapenboek Gelre, dating from as ‘leopards’. In other words, the Dannebrog back with him. Medi- brog to the standard of the Order the late 14th century. The question cats are depicted with their heads eval Christians believed that the of Saint John led A.D. Jørgensen to is: did Valdemar IV perpetuate the turned to full face. In the early world and natural phenomena conclude that Danish Saint John use of an existing standard of the days, sometimes the coat of arms were governed by God. A miracle knights, who took part in the expe- realm, or was it he who introduced appears to have featured fringed such as the one described in the dition had played a crucial role. In the flag? Valdemar IV himself was water lilies; at other times hearts. legend of the Dannebrog was 1934, the ecclesiastical historian, on a crusade to the Holy Land, and Today, hearts are used, and during not impossible. During crusades L.P. Fabricius suggested that the in 1347 he was knighted in the the 16th century the number of the Christian knights had been flag might have been the sacred Church of the Holy Sepulchre in them was fixed at nine. A helmet assisted by celestial troops, led church banner of Archbishop Anders Jerusalem. Historians have conjec- above Valdemar IV’s shield features by saints. Glowing crosses could Sunesen. What these interpreta- tured as to whether the standard ermine-covered bullhorns (horns appear in the sky or standards tions have in common is the fact with the cross was a reference from the European bison). On each with crosses on them could flutter that the standard with the cross to the fact that Valdemar was horn there are two peacock feather down from above as a sign from is associated with the involvement a knight of God. The resurrected fans, and sticking through one of God to those who were fighting of clerical institutions in the king’s Jesus was often depicted with these fans is the oldest-known for the just cause. Two years prior mission. a red banner with a white cross. image of a Dannebrog flag. to the Battle of Lyndanise, the Another claim is that Valdemar IV Christians had gained victory over Other historians have been more probably adopted the new flag on The association between the coat the Saracens at Alcácer do Sal in receptive of the descriptions of loan from the , of arms with the three lions and Portugal. A subsequent letter to contemporary miraculous events where a similar flag was used. the Danish king certainly dates Pope Honorius III described how a and have indicated that light Regardless of whence the inspira- back to the . The flag featuring a cross had appeared phenomena – so-called halos – can tion for the Dannebrog may have oldest-known example is a seal in the sky before the battle. Danish appear in the form of and come, it is not unlikely that the used by King Canute VI around knights also took part in Christian crosses. In an age, whose models legend of the standard with

50 51 the cross that fell from the sky From a Royal Favour to a Symbol without saying that this was linked in the 1840s would involve flying above Estonia was already familiar of National Solidarity and a Sign to several factors. The Duchy of the Dannebrog, while those who during the reign of Valdemar IV, and of Simple Joie de Vivre Holstein (and the small Duchy of wanted to see the separation if it was him who adopted the flag, Lauenburg) was ruled by the Danish of Schleswig and Holstein from he maybe deliberately played on In 1671, King king, but was part of the German Denmark and have it allied to the this myth. However, it is remarkable created a new chivalric order, the Confederation. In addition, the German Confederation used their that the insignia of the Dannebrog , to supple- Duchy of Schleswig, which belonged own flag when they held meet- in an almost contemporary book of ment the existing Elephant Order. to Denmark, had a large number of ings. 1848 saw the end of absolute arms, Codex Bellenville, is inserted The knights of the Order of the German-speaking inhabitants. The monarchy and the tensions in the in a shield and termed “Denen- Elephant were still the most distin- national tendencies led to conflict duchies culminated in a civil war brock.” So it would seem that in guished, but the king was given the between the king’s Danish and that lasted from 1848 to 1851. the late 14th century the white opportunity to favour a larger, yet German subjects. In addition, many cross on the red background already still exclusive group with the new of the more nationally minded citi- Dannebrog as a symbol of Danish had a name that designated it mark of dignity. In order to bolster zens were also politically liberal and nationalism found expression in as “the flag of the Danes.” Already the prestige and significance of the wanted to abolish absolutism and the wartime poetry. Historical at that time the Dannebrog was Order, it was stated that it was not replace it with democracy. consciousness and national feeling an established sign of the king and new at all, but that Christian V had merged in the retelling of the old his country. revived an ancient royal chivalric Around 1815-1845 The Dannebrog legend and the concrete use of the order. The historian, Thomas slowly changed from primarily being Dannebrog during war at the time. In the 15th century the Danish Bartholin substantiated this argu- a symbol of the Danish king and The use of the Dannebrog could no army actually used the Dannebrog ment in a work from 1676, in the unified state, of which he was longer be regulated and it found as the main standard, when the which he attempted to prove that head, to becoming a symbol of the its way right into people’s living king fought to keep Sweden within Valdemar the Conqueror had insti- Danish nation, which identified rooms when they decorated their the . We also know tuted an order of knights on the particularly with the language and trees. In 1854, the ban for certain that, from the 16th day of the Battle of Lyndanise on other cultural markers. In the prop- on the private flying of the Danne- century, Danish naval vessels flew 15 June 1219. The Order of Danne- agation of this national conscious- brog was formally repealed. Anyone the Dannebrog. From the end of brog helped expand the legend for ness, poetry and historical novels could now hoist a flag as long as the century, so did merchant ships. dealing with royal grace and favour - played an equally important role. it was not a split one. Thus from around 1600 the split and for enforcing loyalty to the In 1826, B.S. Ingemann published swallowtail flag became the flag crown and the state. the novel, Valdemar Sejr (Valdemar Today the widespread use of the that indicated the fact that the the Conqueror), which featured Dannebrog is one of Denmark’s vessel belonged to the navy. Chris- During the 19th century, with the a re-telling of the legend of the defining features and highly notice- tian IV claimed privileged use of the emergence of renewed nationalism Dannebrog and the Battle of able to anyone visiting the country. split flag when in 1630 and 1635 both in the Realm of the Danish Lyndanise. The novel was hugely Totally private and individual cele- he issued regulations that banned king and in the rest of Europe, popular and was one of the most brations such as birthdays are merchant ships from using this people began to use the Danne- widely read books in Denmark well frequently accompanied by Danne- type of flag. From 1625 the many brog in more private contexts and into the 20th century. brog of every conceivable different divisions of the army were as a political symbol. However, the size. The flag has become a sign given standards with a Dannebrog was not keen The absolute monarchy and state of Denmark’s very own, special joie insignia in the upper inner corner, on this trend, and in 1833 King had attempted to monopolise the de vivre. while the most distinguished used Frederik VI banned private citizens use of the Dannebrog, but failed. an actual Dannebrog. from flying the Dannebrog. It goes The popular Danish national rallies

52 53 DANNEBROG AND THE HISTORY OF THREE LIONS IN ESTONIA

IVAR LEIMUS, Historian, Curator and Researcher, Estonian History Museum

During Danish rule Tallinn probably painted it on the of had no coat of arms. According St Nicholas (Niguliste) church to our current state of knowl- in 1483. This coat of arms with edge the earliest written, and still a cross, cut into an ornamental circumstantial, evidence of the panel in 1551, decorates colours of Tallinn’s coat of arms the entry portal of the excise – red and white – is from 1471. chamber in the Great Guild to However, during the period of 1478‒– this day. 1481 Bernt Notke painted Tallinn’s red shield, decorated with a white There is no documentary evidence cross, on the altarpiece of the for the origin of the coat of arms Church of the Holy Spirit. In the with a red shield and white cross 16th century such a coat of arms but evident similarity or even was widely used in Tallinn, as it sameness with the Danish national was imprinted into coins and flag Dannebrog suggests that the precious items, depicted in textiles people of Tallinn borrowed it from and ashlars. Today we call this their rulers. The Dannebrog flag may the Lesser coat of arms of Tallinn. have flown as a symbol of Danish President of the Republic of Estonia, An exactly similar coat of arms rule until 1346 from a tower of the giving a speech at the Estonia 100 reception in 2018. Photo: Margus Ansu / was used by the Great Guild of and thus been Eesti Meedia merchants in Tallinn, Herman Rode remembered by the townspeople.

54 55 As for the current (Greater) coat Once they found their way onto of arms of Tallinn depicting three coins the three lions soon found lions or leopards, its evolutionary a home in Tallinn, moreover, because path is more complicated. The first of the town seal they had never time we see it is in the seal of the been entirely forgotten anyway. town, the earliest known use of which goes back to 1277. However, As early as the the lions/leop- this image of the seal, showing a ards stepped onto the coat of arms king’s head looking out from behind of the Duchy of Estonia, later, the a shield bearing three lions, has Province of Estonia, and in 1925 the been created by fusing the obverse Republic of Estonia. and reverse sides of the royal seal of Denmark and merely represents the Danish rule in Tallinn. The Town Council used a more or less similar seal to confirm its letters until the end of the period. The -bearing coat of arms is not evident in the art of medieval Tallinn, whereas known examples are related to the St Canute Guild. The guild was named after , Duke of South , whose cult was later merged with that of King Canute the Holy.

Somewhat paradoxically it was only in 1564 when King Erik XIV of Sweden ordered that the three (Danish) lions must be used on coins in Tallinn. The background to such a strange decision lies in a dispute between Denmark and Sweden, which became even fiercer when the Northern Seven Years’ War broke out in 1563. The dispute over the coat of arms saw both parties attempting to show their supremacy over the other by also displaying the enemy’s coat of arms on their own. The Lesser coat of arms of Tallinn. Mid- 17th century and The Greater coat of arms of Tallinn, 1652, .

56 57 View of the end of the town wall from the Tallinn town wall with the Kuldjala tower built Danish King’s Garden. The lower wall section in the early 14th century. Photo: Meeli Küttim / with arched niches was built in the 14th Tallinn City Museum century during Danish rule. Photo: Meeli Küttim / Tallinn City Museum

Façade of St Canute Guild building in the 19th century, displaying both Greater and Lesser The “Tuli lipp“ (The Flag Descended) coats of arms of Tallinn. Photo: Meeli Küttim / in the Danish King’s Garden, inspired by the Tallinn City Museum Dannebrog legend, authors Mari Rass and Liina Stratskas, 2012. Photo: Meeli Küttim / Tallinn City Museum

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