Dan (The Proud) Olafsson

• Birth Notes
  • B: Abt. 412

• General Notes
  • # Note: A. Early legendary kings of Denmark.
    
    # Note: Dan - ruled Denmark at an uncertain time.
    
        Whether Dan was Skjold's descendant or ancestor depends on whether one reads Saxo or Snorri. Whatever Dan's family ties, he is alleged to be among the earliest of Denmark's legendary kings. We are told that he conquered many neighboring kingdoms and united them under his rule. It is from him that the country supposedly takes its name: Dan-mark, meaning the march or border of the Danes. Saxo Grammaticus states that from Dan "the pedigrees of our kings flowed in glorious series, like channels from some parent spring."
    
        Dan's wife Grythan, according to the legends, bore him two sons: Humble and Lothar. Although Humble was elected king after his father, the cruel Lothar overcame Humble in war and took away his crown. According to Saxo, Lothar was "soon chastised for his wickedness, for he met his end in an insurrection of his country." Whether or not this legend is founded in fact, it certainly illustrates the all too familiar pattern of brother fighting brother for the crown. [Royal Families of Medieval Scandinavia, Flanders, and Kiev]
    
    # Note: Title: Royal Families of Medieval Scandinavia, Flanders, and Kiev, by Rupert Alen & Anna Dahlquist, 1997, King's River Publ.
    # Note: Page: 74-75