Little land: how Denmark's history defines the nation today
- S3E5
- 36:08
- November 29th 2022
It seems that one of the defining characteristics of being Danish is to feel you are a member of a small nation.
During the Viking and Middle Age periods, Denmark was a relative superpower, with territory spanning modern day Norway, south Sweden and northern Germany.
A series of failed military campaigns during the 1800s however meant that much of this land was lost, and my the 1860s, only a fraction was left.
Faced with a crisis, the remaining Danish population had to define what it now meant to be Danish.
They could no longer rely on the narrative that Danes were great warriors (after such humiliating losses on the battlefield) and so instead had to define what it meant to be Danish.
The result? A constitution and general psyche premised on tolerance, equality and co-operation.
To explore this story, and what this means for modern day Denmark, we speak with critical historian Asser Amdisen (who was behind this viral video of explaining the whole of Danish History in (almost) 1 minute).
He also brings in a critical view of Danish society today: saying how Danes think they are better than the stories they tell themselves.
Sam and Josefine discuss these points, and also bring in anecdotes of their own, such as the story of the Danish Protest Pig (pictured) that acted as a symbol of Danish resistance for the population when living under Prussian rule.
If you're interested in learning about Denmark's past, and how this influences the present day, then we hope this episode helps!
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This episode is sponsored by Talent to Denmark's "State of Denmark" campaign.
Denmark is actively looking to attract international talent to move to the country. If you're interested to learn more about jobs in (one of) the happiest countries in the world, head to www.state-of-denmark.com/wtd
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You can also learn more about What The Denmark on our website, Facebook and Instagram @whatthedenmark
What The Denmark | Danish Culture for Expats, Internationals and Danes
Danish culture can be pretty confusing, especially if you are not from Denmark.
This podcast is on a mission to resolve cultural confusion in the country.
Co-hosts Sam Floy (British podcaster, "The Outsider") and Josefine Volqvartz (Danish TV journalist, "The Insider") speak to experts and members of the public to understand and explain why something so normal in Danish culture is confusing to outsiders.
Rather than simply point fun, or say something like "Danes have an ironic sense of humour" we go deep, by speaking to experts to explain why.
Importantly, this show is as much for Danes as it is non-Danes.
What The Denmark is an educational, entertaining and inclusive show where we take a curious look at things that seem normal in Denmark, and get to the bottom of why.
If you've ever felt that you want to understand more about Denmark and Danish culture, then this is the podcast for you!
Learn more at https://www.whatthedenmark.com/