The Swan’s Nest by Hans Christian Andersen. Short summary

5 seconds

Between the Baltic Sea and the North Sea lies the «swan’s nest» of Denmark. From it the great conquerors flew out in ancient times. But even in modern history Denmark has given the world famous scientists, composers and poets.

1 minute

The North Sea is separated from the Baltic Sea by a peninsula that looks like a swan’s nest. The country of Denmark is located on it. Many glorious swans have flown from this nest.

In ancient times the Lombards moved from here across the Alps, settling in the fertile valley of the River Po.

The Varangians — as the Danes were later called — formed an alliance with the Byzantine powers.

In the Middle Ages, the Norman Danes terrorized the French. And King Cnud the Great united Norway, Sweden and England under his rule. The Danes came to Pomerania to forcibly baptize the local pagans.

But the days of brutal conquests were over. Beautiful birds began to fly out of the swan’s nest: the astronomer Tycho Brahe, the poet Elenschlaeger, the sculptor Thorvaldsen, the physicist Ørsted.

The swan is a proud bird. And if enemies appear to ravage the nest of Denmark, even the fledglings will defend their land. But in times of peace, beautiful and mighty birds will fly out of this country.