The murder of Canute the Holy of Denmark
The killing of Canute the Holy in St. Alban's Church (Skt. Albani Kirke) in 1086, painted by C.A. von Benzon, 1843. The painting belongs to the Funen Art Museum (Fyns Kunstmuseum), and is now at Møntergården in Odense. Photo: Inferno Reklamefotografi.
Intro
In 1086, Canute the Holy was murdered in Albani Church in Odense. The king spent all night confessing his sins, but early next morning a spear was hurled through the window and struck him in the heart. He fell to the floor, dead, with outstretched arms.
The murder of Canute the Holy of Denmark
The In 1086, Canute the Holy was murdered near the altar in Albani Church in Odense. His death resulted from a revolt against the king’s new methods of punishing the magnates. Contemporary sources relate that, on the evening prior to the murder, the king left the besieged royal residence to go to vespers. The rebels followed him and attempted, in vain, to gain entry to the church. The king spent all night in front of the altar confessing his sins, but early next morning a spear was hurled through the window and struck him in the heart. The king fell to the floor, dead, with outstretched arms.
Power and revolt
Power has appeared in many guises on this large island at the heart of Denmark. With coins and monuments and by prohibitions and punishments, successive rulers have reminded the people of Funen who was in charge. However, in opposition to this power, rebellion lurked!
Against authority: revolt!
Over time, the people of Funen were kept firmly under control by a series of powerful individuals. But they have also repeatedly challenged authority and rebelled against kings, patriarchs and global players.
This location is part of the exhibition 'Funen – at the centre of the universe', at Møntergården in Odense. Read more about the exhibition on our website.