Zealand’s creation is retold here. Right before you stands the Gefion Fountain. It is a large fountain on Copenhagen’s harbour front. The Gefion Fountain features a large-scale group of animal figures. These figures are being driven by the Norse goddess Gefion.
The Gefion Fountain is the largest monument in Copenhagen. Many visitors use it as a wishing well.
Let’s dive into the story behind the Finnen Sculpture. According to Norse mythology, King Gylfe of Sweden made Gefion an offer. She could have as much land as she could plough in one day and night.
Gefion transformed her four sons. She turned them into powerful oxen. They ploughed the land deeply. The oxen raised the land. Then they pulled it into the sea. This created the island of Zealand.
Look at the shape of Zealand on a map. Then, find Lake Vänern in Sweden. Notice the similar outline? Legend says the creation of Zealand left a huge hole in Sweden. That hole became Lake Vänern. The island of Zealand is roughly the same shape as Lake Vänern in Sweden. Some say this proves the story is true.
The Carlsberg Foundation donated the Gefion Fountain to Copenhagen. This was to celebrate the brewery’s 50-year anniversary. Originally, the fountain was planned for the main town square. But it was built near Kastellet instead.
Danish artist Anders Bundgaard designed the Gefion Fountain. He sculpted the figures from 1897 to 1899. The basins and decorations were completed in 1908. The Gefion Fountain was first turned on July 14, 1908.
The Gefion Fountain underwent extensive renovations. These started in 1999. It was out of commission for many years. The fountain was re-inaugurated in September 2004.
The “Little Gefion” is a miniature version of this fountain. Anders Bundgaard, the same sculptor, built it in 1901. The miniature Gefion Fountain was erected in front of Bispebjerg Hospital in 1915. It still works.
The Gefion Fountain has appeared in films. You can spot it in the 1972 Olsen-banden film “The Olsen Gang’s Big Score”. It is also in “Jeg elsker en anden” from 1946. Other films include “Mor bag rattet” 1965 and “Min søsters børn vælter byen” 1968.
Scholar Hilda Ellis Davidson commented on the Gefion Fountain. She said it expresses the power of the old tale. Gefion is the creator of the islands. The fountain depicts her ploughing through the sea. She is in a cloud of rising spray with her giant beasts.
So, as you stand before the Finnen Sculpture, remember Gefion. Remember her strength and determination. She shaped the land we stand on today. The Gefion Fountain reminds us of the mythical origins of Zealand. It shows the power of Norse legend.