Gorm den Gamle King of Denmark Date of Birth: . Country: Denmark

1. King Gorm the Old
2. Origin of the Nickname
3. Religious Transition
4. Burial and Legacy
5. Royal Lineage

King Gorm the Old

King Gorm the Old ascended to the throne as the son of Danish King Cnut I Hardecanute. According to his descendant, King Sweyn II Estridsen, Gorm ruled over all of Denmark and likely also ruled over Schleswig from his seat in Jelling.

Origin of the Nickname

The origin of Gorm's nickname "the Old" remains uncertain. Despite its implication, Gorm was neither elderly nor simple-minded. Early sources indicate his openness and pragmatism in dealings with the Christian neighbors to the south.

Religious Transition

During Gorm's reign, the majority of Danes still adhered to ancient Germanic gods. However, under the rule of his son, Harald I Bluetooth, Denmark officially adopted Christianity.

Burial and Legacy

Gorm's remains are believed to have been found at the site of the first Christian church in Jelling, built under Harald. It is theorized that his remains were moved from the hill where he was initially buried, which was later transformed into a memorial site.

Royal Lineage

Gorm's lineage persists in the Danish monarchy, tracing an unbroken line to the current reigning Queen Margrethe II. This unbroken connection establishes Denmark as Europe's oldest continuous monarchy, second only to Japan globally.