Symbolism Danevirke

lorenz frølich s impression of thyra dannebod ordering foundation of danevirke.

legend has queen thyra ordered danevirke built. wife of first historically recognized king of denmark, gorm old (reign c. 936 – c. 958).

with emergence of national states in europe during 1800s, danevirke became powerful symbol denmark , idea of unique danish people , danish culture. throughout nineteenth century, denmark , germany struggled politically , militarily possession of territory variously known sønderjylland or slesvig danes , schleswig germans. 2 wars fought, first schleswig war (1848–1851) , second schleswig war (1864), resulting in danish defeat , subsequent german annexation. in hostile context, danevirke played important role, @ first mental cultural barrier against germany, concrete military fortification, when strengthened cannon emplacements , entrenchments in 1850 , again in 1861.

in 1800s dannevirke adopted title of several danish nationalist journals dealing question of danish autonomy vis-à-vis germany, notable of these being published n. f. s. grundtvig in 1816–19. in earlier times, danevirke had indeed defined cultural , linguistic border between danish , german fiefdoms, cultural , linguistic frontiers had gradually moved north, , 19th century territory far north flensburg predominantly german-speaking, remained part of denmark.