Soldyret Sculpture

Beneath the shimmering surface of the Slotsholm Canal, a hidden world awaits. The Soldyret Sculpture, also known as “Agnete & the Merman,” rests silently in the depths. The Soldyret Sculpture isn’t marked on tourist maps. It’s a secret treasure waiting to be discovered. Imagine yourself on a canal tour, rounding a bend near the Højbro Bridge. You might see a measuring stick rising from the water. This unassuming marker hides the poignant tale of the Soldyret Sculpture. The story tells of a merman who fell deeply in love with Agnete, a human woman. He invited her to his underwater kingdom. She agreed, leaving the world above. Agnete and the merman had seven sons. One day, the distant chime of church bells called to Agnete, stirring a longing for her former life. She promised her family she would return. Agnete never came back. The Soldyret Sculpture captures the family’s sorrow. The merman and his sons are frozen in grief, mourning the loss of their beloved Agnete. Their bronze forms, crafted by Suste Bonnén in 1992, lie submerged in the canal. The children reach towards the surface, their faces etched with despair. The merman sits in silent contemplation. The Soldyret Sculpture offers a glimpse into the depths of Danish folklore. It’s a story of love, loss, and the enduring power of longing. It’s a reminder that beneath the surface of everyday life, hidden stories lie waiting to be unearthed.