The 2022 film The Northman captured global audiences with its raw portrayal of vengeance, destiny, and ancient Norse heroism. Yet behind its cinematic grandeur lies a historical figure whose tale predates the Bard of Avon himself—Amleth, a legendary Viking prince of Jutland. While many viewers saw echoes of Shakespeare’s Hamlet in the story, few realized that it was actually Amleth’s ancient saga that inspired the famous English playwright. This article delves into the real history behind Amleth, his role in Norse tradition, and how his legend transformed over the centuries into one of the most iconic tragedies in Western literature.

Origins of Amleth: A Norse Tale of Revenge

Amleth's story first appears in Gesta Danorum (“The Deeds of the Danes”), a monumental work written by the Danish historian Saxo Grammaticus around the 12th century. In this chronicle of Danish kings and heroes, Amleth is presented as the son of King Horvendill (or Orvendil), a respected Jutish ruler and warrior. When Horvendill is treacherously murdered by his own brother, Feng (or Fengo), the throne is usurped, and Amleth is forced into a dangerous position.

To avoid being seen as a threat, young Amleth feigns madness—talking in riddles, acting erratically, and behaving like a fool. This clever ruse keeps him alive, even as his uncle suspects deception. Eventually, Amleth outwits the conspiracies around him, exacts revenge upon Feng, and claims his rightful throne. His tale is steeped in Norse values of honor, kinship, and the unbreakable cycle of vengeance.

The Norse Ethos: Fate, Vengeance, and Trickery

Unlike Shakespeare’s deeply philosophical Hamlet, who is paralyzed by moral conflict, Amleth is a man of action. His “madness” is strategic, not existential. The difference reflects the contrasting worldviews of their cultures: where the Elizabethans were preoccupied with introspection and divine justice, the Norse valued cunning, courage, and fate (known as wyrd or urðr in Old Norse).

The saga of Amleth also includes elements familiar to Viking narratives—blood feuds, deceptive plans, dramatic speeches, and the use of guile to overcome stronger enemies. Saxo’s Amleth is not only clever but deadly. His revenge is methodical: he slays his enemies, burns the hall in which they feast, and emerges victorious, having fulfilled his duty to avenge his father. shutdown123