Pelle the Conqueror · Chapter
Endnotes explained
This chapter provides explanatory endnotes for the main text, clarifying Danish terms and cultural references such as the wordplay on 'spirit' and 'breathe', the colloquial name for Copenhagen, a Danish expression for a deceitful person, a
What happens
This chapter provides explanatory endnotes for the main text, clarifying Danish terms and cultural references such as the wordplay on 'spirit' and 'breathe', the colloquial name for Copenhagen, a Danish expression for a deceitful person, a reference to Bornholm, the significance of December 11th as payday and hiring-day, and a nickname for the king.
Key passages
“In Danish, spirit = aand , and to breathe = aande .”
The Danish word for 'spirit' is 'aand', and the word for 'to breathe' is 'aande'.
Explains a linguistic connection in the original text.
“Country-people speak of Copenhagen as 'the King's Copenhagen.'”
Rural inhabitants refer to Copenhagen as 'the King's Copenhagen'.
Provides cultural context for how Copenhagen is referred to by country-people.
“An ordinary expression in Danish for a mean, deceitful person.”
This is a common Danish phrase describing a contemptible and dishonest individual.
Clarifies the meaning of a Danish idiom.
“Bornholm.”
Refers to the Danish island of Bornholm.
Identifies a geographical reference.
“The 11th December—the general payday and hiring-day.”
December 11th was the customary day for paying wages and hiring workers.
Explains the significance of this date in the historical context.
“The king was so called.”
This is how the king was commonly referred to.
Notes a colloquial title for the monarch.