“Agnete! Come back!” Imagine those words echoing through the Slotsholm Canal. That’s the plea of the merman from the Hyrden og Bortføreren Sculpture.
This isn’t just any sculpture. The Hyrden og Bortføreren Sculpture is a group of bronze figures. They reside underwater right here in Copenhagen. You’ll find them in the Slotsholm Canal near Højbro Bridge.
Created in 1992 by Suste Bonnen, this artwork often goes unnoticed. Some say it is one of Copenhagen’s least-known treasures. Yet, it brings to life a powerful story from Danish folklore.
The Hyrden og Bortføreren Sculpture portrays a merman. He stands with his seven sons. All their arms are outstretched. They beg Agnete to return to their underwater home.
The tale of Agnete and the Merman is a classic Danish ballad. Passed down through generations, this folktale speaks of love and loss. It is one of many stories featuring mermaids. Merfolk appear often in Danish lore.
Hans Christian Andersen also explored this theme. He planned a verse play called “Agnete and the Merman.” This was similar to Oehlenschläger’s “Aladdin.” Andersen’s story “The Little Mermaid” is very famous. It even inspired Copenhagen’s Little Mermaid statue.
The Hyrden og Bortføreren Sculpture holds deep cultural meaning. It highlights the importance of Danish folklore. Suste Bonnen captured a moment of intense emotion in bronze. It is like the Greeks immortalizing myths with statues. Bonnen eternalized a specific tale. It is a story of a woman lured into the sea. She is torn between two worlds.
Other merfolk sculptures exist in Copenhagen. There’s the “Black Diamond Mermaid.” It is a copy of Anne Marie Carl-Nielsen’s statue. There is also a large granite mermaid at the cruise ship dock. Of course, there is the famous Little Mermaid. She sits by the water’s edge along Langelinie promenade. But the Hyrden og Bortføreren Sculpture offers something unique. It is a glimpse into a lesser-known story. The tragic beauty is right here.
Think about the scene. The merman and his sons reach out. They are forever pleading. Agnete is forever gone. The Hyrden og Bortføreren Sculpture is a reminder. It is a reminder of the power of folklore. It reminds us of the enduring themes of love and longing.
So next time you cross Højbro Bridge, take a look. See if you can spot the Hyrden og Bortføreren Sculpture beneath the surface. This underwater artwork embodies a timeless tale. It waits to be discovered. It connects us to the heart of Danish culture. It is a beautiful and haunting scene.