How a 12th-century Danish history book laid the groundwork for Shakespeare's Hamlet

Art · Published 3 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Saxo Grammaticus, a 12th-century historian, compiled the Gesta Danorum to chronicle Denmark's legendary past. This sixteen-volume work, written in eloquent Latin, transformed ancient myths into a cohesive national narrative. Among its most enduring legacies is the tale of Amleth, a prince whose quest for vengeance inspired Shakespeare's iconic Hamlet.

Commissioned by Archbishop Absalon, the Gesta Danorum—or 'Deeds of the Danes'—stands as the most ambitious literary project of medieval Denmark. Saxo Grammaticus, whose name suggests his mastery of Latin, organized the work into sixteen books. The first nine volumes focus on prehistory, blending Norse mythology with the lives of legendary kings. Saxo employed a technique known as euhemerism, interpreting ancient gods as mere mortal heroes or magicians, thereby grounding mythological figures within a human historical framework.

The narrative arc of the Gesta Danorum is vast, beginning with the mythical King Dan and extending through the medieval period to the conquest of Pomerania in 1185. In the early books, readers encounter figures like the 9th-century King Ragnar, whose exploits included battles against Charlemagne, and the prince Amleth. Saxo’s account of Amleth—a man who feigns madness to avenge his father’s murder—provided the structural blueprint for Shakespeare’s later masterpiece. While Shakespeare’s version is defined by the protagonist's profound hesitation, Saxo’s original Amleth is a more direct, cunning figure who navigates complex political traps in Britain and Denmark.

Beyond its literary influence, the work serves as a vital historical document. The final books, particularly those detailing the Northern Crusades and conflicts with Slavic tribes, offer a unique Scandinavian perspective on High Middle Ages European affairs. Saxo’s writing remains a foundational pillar of Danish literature, bridging the gap between oral tradition and written history. By documenting these ancient lays and sagas, Saxo ensured that the stories of kings, gods, and heroes were preserved, shaping the cultural identity of the nation for centuries to come.

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