Gefion Fountain, Copenhagen

The Gefion Fountain, located on the harbourfront in Copenhagen, is a striking and elaborate fountain that celebrates a blend of art and mythology. This monumental fountain features a dynamic sculpture of the Norse goddess Gefjon driving a group of animals. These figures are not just any animals, but her four sons whom she transformed into oxen to perform a tremendous mythological feat.

The mythology behind the fountain is rooted in ancient Norse legends that describe the creation of Zealand, the island on which Copenhagen is situated. This tale is vividly recounted in several old texts, including the Prose Edda and Heimskringla by the 13th-century Icelandic historian Snorri Sturluson, as well as in Ragnarsdrápa, a 9th-century Skaldic poem.

According to the legend, the Swedish king Gylfi promised Gefjon as much land as she could plow in one night. To accomplish this task, Gefjon transformed her four sons into powerful oxen. The land they plowed was then thrown into the Danish sea, forming the island of Zealand. The void left by the removed earth became a lake, known in ancient texts as Lögrinn or Leginum, which is identified by Snorri Sturluson as Lake Mälaren, near Stockholm.

Interestingly, despite Snorri's specific identification of Lake Mälaren, tourist information typically connects the story with Lake Vänern, Sweden's largest lake. This is largely due to perceived similarities in size and shape between Zealand and Vänern, suggesting a different geographical interpretation from Snorri's historical accounts.

The Gefion Fountain not only serves as a key historical landmark but also as a symbol of Copenhagen’s rich cultural heritage intertwined with Norse mythology. Its dramatic sculptures and the powerful story they depict attract numerous visitors and provide insight into the mythological origins of the region.