GEFION FOUNTAIN (GEFIONSPRINGVANDET)
This spectacular fountain, the largest in Copenhagen, illustrates one of the most important Nordic legends...
Copenhagen's largest fountain, and undoubtedly its most spectacular. The fountain rests on the slope of the hill. Created in 1908 by Anders Bundgaard, it illustrates one of the most important Nordic legends. It shows a young woman energetically whipping four harnessed bulls. Her chariot sits atop a pyramid of concentric circles from which jets of water emerge, creating a dynamic visual effect. Once again donated by Carl Jacobsen to celebrate the fiftieth anniversary of Carlsberg Breweries.
It's an opportunity to brush up on your knowledge of Norse mythology: this Gefion (alias Gefjon or Gefjun) is said by some to be a virgin, by others to be the goddess of fertility. In any case, the legendary Swedish ruler Gylfi granted her as much land as she could plow in a single day and night. No sooner said than done! The young woman, who happened to have had four sons with a giant, born in the strange guise of bulls, harnessed them and set to work with such ardor that part of Sweden fell away. Drifting westwards, this piece of land is said to be the origin of Seeland, the island corresponding to the territory of Copenhagen and the surrounding area. Another version states that Lake Mälaren, also known as Lögrinn , was formed at this point and became the home of Gefion, who married Odin's son!
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