Vidar. Illustration til Fabricius' Danmarks historie 1, 143. 1854

H.C. Henneberg created this illustration of Vidar for Fabricius’s “Danmarks Historie” (History of Denmark). This piece evokes the resurgence of Norse mythology in 19th-century Denmark. As a romanticized vision of Viking masculinity, the image of Vidar is rife with cultural and historical complexities. Vidar, son of Odin, is depicted here not as a divine figure, but as a craftsman, diligently working with leather. The artist lived during a time of rising national sentiment in Denmark. His work attempts to connect to a distant, heroic past. However, this idealization obscures the realities of Viking society, marked by class divisions and brutal conquests. While celebrating Norse heritage, it's important to reflect on whose stories are being told and how they are shaped by the present. The illustration invites us to consider how national identity is constructed and the values it promotes.