Ogier the Dane

Ogier the Dane (French: Ogier le Danois or archaically Ogier de Danemarche, Danish: Holger Danske) is a legendary character who first appears in an Old French chanson de geste, in the cycle of poems Geste de Doon de Mayence.

Historical references

The 12th-century Danish chronicler Saxo Grammaticus was not familiar with the character, and Ogier has not been connected to any historic event in Denmark. A chronicle from St Martin's monastery in Cologne claims that the monastery had been pillaged by the Saxons in 778, but that it was rebuilt by "Olgerus, dux Daniæ" ("Olger, War-Leader of the Danes"), with the help of Charlemagne.

Poetry, romances and literature

Ogier the Dane first appears as one of Charlemagne's knights, in Chanson de Roland (written ca. 1060 AD), without reference to any known historical figure. He plays only a minor part in this poem, and his only link to Denmark seems to be his name, Ogier le Danois.

Ogier becomes the main character in the poem Chevalerie d'Ogier de Danemarche (written ca. 1200-15 AD). Here he is the son of the Danish king Geoffrey, who is the enemy of Charlemagne, given as a hostage to Charlemagne. Ogier grows into a heroic character, who begets a son who was slain by Charlot, son of Charlemagne. Seeking revenge, Ogier kills Charlot and is barely prevented from killing Charlemagne, with whom he is at war for seven years. They eventually make peace and Ogier goes to fight at Charlemagne's side against the Saracens, in which battle he slays the giant Brehus.