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King Canute gets his feet wet
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King Canute gets his feet wet
King Canute of England (1016-1035) and Denmark (1018-1035) gets his feet rather wet as he attempts to command the waves! The story may be apocryphal, and some historians believe that he staged the event to demonstrate to his sycophantic courtiers that even kings have no power over the forces of nature
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Media ID 570219
© Mary Evans Picture Library 2015 - https://copyrighthub.org/s0/hub1/creation/maryevans/MaryEvansPictureID/10000013
1016 1018 1035 11th Apocryphal Attempts Canute Cnut Command Courtiers Danish Denmark Feet Forces Kings Knut Myths Norse Norway Pointing Power Sweden Viking Waves Myth
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King Canute's Defiant Showdown with the Sea: A Legendary Moment in 11th Century Royalty This evocative image captures the legendary tale of King Canute of England and Denmark (1016-1035) as he boldly defies the power of the sea. Known as Cnut or Knut in Norse mythology, Canute ruled over Denmark from 1018 to 1035 and England from 1016 to 1035. The apocryphal story of Canute and the waves is a testament to the enduring power of myth and the human desire to assert control over the natural world. In this scene, Canute, dressed in regal attire, sits on a wooden throne with his feet in the surf, commanding the waves to retreat. Surrounded by his loyal courtiers, the king points imperiously to the water, as if willing it to obey his will. The sea, however, remains unyielding, crashing against his feet and the shore. Historians debate the veracity of this story, with some believing it to be a myth or a symbolic demonstration of the limits of royal power. Regardless of its truth, the image of Canute and the waves has become an enduring symbol of the futility of trying to control the forces of nature. Canute's reign was marked by significant expansion of the Danish kingdom, which at its height included England, Norway, and parts of Sweden and the Netherlands. His rule was characterized by a strong central government, a commitment to law and order, and a respect for the Church. This photo print, from the esteemed Mary Evans Picture Library, offers a glimpse into the rich history of the 11th century, a time of political upheaval, cultural exchange, and the rise of powerful monarchs. Whether viewed as a myth or a symbol of royal power, the image of King Canute and the waves continues to captivate and inspire, reminding us of the enduring power of nature and the human spirit.
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