Saxo Grammaticus’s Danish History (Gesta Danorum), here in Books I to IX, is the great medieval chronicle of the Danes, blending myth, legend, and early history. Composed around 1200, it preserves the deeds of legendary kings and heroes, the gods of the North, and the origins of the Danish realm. Among its tales is the story of Amleth, the prince whose feigned madness and revenge inspired Shakespeare’s Hamlet.
These early books are rich with Norse mythology, heroic adventure, and folklore, offering a unique medieval Scandinavian counterpart to the classical histories. Saxo’s work is an essential source for the legends of the Vikings and the prehistory of Denmark. Readers interested in Norse mythology, medieval chronicles, or the origins of the Hamlet legend will find it endlessly rewarding. This free EPUB edition presents Oliver Elton’s English translation of one of the most important texts of medieval Scandinavia.