# Endnotes explained — Pelle the Conqueror

> Chapter companion for Pelle the Conqueror by Martin Andersen Nexø.

## 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/pelle_the_conqueror_se/chapters/endnotes
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/pelle_the_conqueror_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/pelle_the_conqueror_se/chapters