Saturday, July 14, 2012

How Denmark got its name.

Conventional Theory:The etymology of the word Denmark, and especially the relationship between Danes and Denmark and the unifying of Denmark as a single kingdom, is a subject which attracts debate.[16][17] This is centred primarily around the prefix "Dan" and whether it refers to the Dani or a historical person Dan and the exact meaning of the -"mark" ending. The issue is further complicated by a number of references to various Dani people in Scandinavia or other places in Europe in Greek and Roman accounts (like Ptolemy, Jordanes, and Gregory of Tours), as well as mediaeval literature. The earliest descriptions of the origin of the word 'Denmark', describing a territory, are found in the Chronicon Lethrense (12th century), Svend Aagesen (late 12th century), Saxo Grammaticus (early 13th century) and the Ballad of Eric (mid-15th century). There are, however, many more Danish annuals and yearbooks containing various other details, similar tales in other variations, other names or spelling variations. Most handbooks derive the first part of the word, and the name of the people, from a word meaning "flat land", related to German Tenne "threshing floor", English den "cave",the -mark is believed to mean woodland or borderland.

My Take: 'Dhana' in Sanskrit means 'Meadows or lush pastures' and 'Marga' means 'way or path'. So Dhana Marga is a land leading to a lush green domain. There is evidence that agriculture took root in Denmark around 3000 BC. So is Dhana Marga = Denmark? One fact that strengthens this case is the lead river of Denmark is called Guden. Gu in Sanskrit means 'Cow', Den is the act of consuming the 'dhana' and giving something in return!

6 comments:

  1. The other theory is that the Jewish Tribe of DAN one of the Lost 10 Tribes of Israel who Assyria captured and removed from Samaria. It is believed that they fled through Europe and settled in Danmark, which stands for the Field of Dan.

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    1. I am from Israel and I've also heard of stories of the tribe of Dan going to Europe

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    2. That is complete lie. Norse are Germanic and not related to Jews in any way, I am Norse and have zero jew DNA. Tribe of Dan never existed either. They're a fictional tribe from Jewish fairytales called the bible.

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  2. Dear Egon,
    I also remembered quite a few years ago reading a story of how Denmark got it's name
    The story is very similar to yours. I believe that it's a very valid story. And a very interesting one at that.

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  3. The name Denmark comes from king Dan who is the son of Humbli as stated by saxo.

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