The story of Amleth, a legendary figure from Norse history and literature, forms a direct link to one of William Shakespeare's most renowned tragedies, Hamlet. The similarities between the two characters are striking, but understanding the origins of Amleth and his transformation into Hamlet requires a deep dive into both Viking sagas and Shakespeare's adaptation. This connection between Norse myth and Elizabethan drama not only highlights the universality of certain human experiences but also underscores how ancient tales influenced some of the greatest works of Western literature.

The Saga of Amleth: A Viking Legend

The earliest known source of the Amleth tale is found in the Historia Danica (History of the Danes), written by the 12th-century Danish historian Saxo Grammaticus. Saxo's work tells the story of Amleth, a young prince whose father, King Horvendillus, is murdered by his brother Fengi, who then marries Amleth's mother, Gerutha. Amleth, like the character of Hamlet, pretends to be mad in order to avenge his father’s death. His ruse allows him to outwit Fengi and eventually take revenge, killing the usurper and restoring order to the kingdom.

The plot of the Historia Danica involves many elements that are echoed in Shakespeare's Hamlet—a young prince seeking vengeance for his father’s murder, a usurping uncle, and a complicated relationship with his mother. However, Saxo's version of Amleth is more directly influenced by the heroic traditions of Norse sagas, where revenge is a central theme. The emphasis in these sagas was on the moral and cultural duty of a prince to restore justice by avenging his father, a deeply ingrained value in Viking society.

Amleth in Later Literature: A Shift in Perspective

Amleth’s tale, however, was not merely a product of the Historia Danica alone. It was later adapted by the French historian and scholar François de Belleforest in his Histoires Tragiques in the late 16th century. Belleforest expanded on the narrative, turning Amleth’s story into a more elaborate and tragic account, which would go on to influence Shakespeare’s Hamlet.

In Belleforest’s version, the character of Amleth becomes a more introspective figure, with the focus shifting from heroic action to the emotional and psychological turmoil of seeking revenge. This adaptation laid the foundation for Shakespeare's exploration of madness, morality, and the consequences of revenge in Hamlet. shutdown123