Fraud Blocker Skip to main content

Home > Europe > United Kingdom > England > Related Images

King Canute gets his feet wet

King Canute gets his feet wet


UK Store
This item is currently only available from our European store


We accept all major credit cards

Mary Evans Prints Online

Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Mary Evans Picture Library

King Canute gets his feet wet

King Canute of England (1016-1035) and Denmark (1018-1035) gets his feet rather wet as he attempts to command the waves! The story may be apocryphal, and some historians believe that he staged the event to demonstrate to his sycophantic courtiers that even kings have no power over the forces of nature

Mary Evans Picture Library makes available wonderful images created for people to enjoy over the centuries

Media ID 570219

© Mary Evans Picture Library 2015 - https://copyrighthub.org/s0/hub1/creation/maryevans/MaryEvansPictureID/10000013

1016 1018 1035 11th Apocryphal Attempts Canute Cnut Command Courtiers Danish Denmark Feet Forces Kings Knut Myths Norse Norway Pointing Power Sweden Viking Waves Myth


FEATURES IN THESE COLLECTIONS

> Europe > Denmark > Related Images

> Europe > Norway > Related Images

> Europe > Sweden > Related Images

> Europe > United Kingdom > England > Related Images

> People > Royalty > Related Images


EDITORS COMMENTS
King Canute's Defiant Showdown with the Sea: A Legendary Moment in 11th Century Royalty This evocative image captures the legendary tale of King Canute of England and Denmark (1016-1035) as he boldly defies the power of the sea. Known as Cnut or Knut in Norse mythology, Canute ruled over Denmark from 1018 to 1035 and England from 1016 to 1035. The apocryphal story of Canute and the waves is a testament to the enduring power of myth and the human desire to assert control over the natural world. In this scene, Canute, dressed in regal attire, sits on a wooden throne with his feet in the surf, commanding the waves to retreat. Surrounded by his loyal courtiers, the king points imperiously to the water, as if willing it to obey his will. The sea, however, remains unyielding, crashing against his feet and the shore. Historians debate the veracity of this story, with some believing it to be a myth or a symbolic demonstration of the limits of royal power. Regardless of its truth, the image of Canute and the waves has become an enduring symbol of the futility of trying to control the forces of nature. Canute's reign was marked by significant expansion of the Danish kingdom, which at its height included England, Norway, and parts of Sweden and the Netherlands. His rule was characterized by a strong central government, a commitment to law and order, and a respect for the Church. This photo print, from the esteemed Mary Evans Picture Library, offers a glimpse into the rich history of the 11th century, a time of political upheaval, cultural exchange, and the rise of powerful monarchs. Whether viewed as a myth or a symbol of royal power, the image of King Canute and the waves continues to captivate and inspire, reminding us of the enduring power of nature and the human spirit.

MADE IN THE USA
Safe Shipping with 30 Day Money Back Guarantee

FREE PERSONALISATION*
We are proud to offer a range of customisation features including Personalised Captions, Color Filters and Picture Zoom Tools

SECURE PAYMENTS
We happily accept a wide range of payment options so you can pay for the things you need in the way that is most convenient for you

* Options may vary by product and licensing agreement. Zoomed Pictures can be adjusted in the Cart.



redeem
Beautiful Photo Prints and Gifts
image
Professionally Printed
inventory
Photo Prints are in stock
thumb_up
Professional quality finish
diamond
Made with high-grade materials
inventory_2
Carefully packed to aid safe arrival



Related Images


Jane Aspel, daughter of Michael Aspel (right), marries Andrew Boucher. 10th April 1987
Jane Aspel, daughter of Michael Aspel (right), marries Andrew Boucher. 10th April 1987
The Madonna with the Laughing Child, 1928. Artist: Leonardo da Vinci
The Madonna with the Laughing Child, 1928. Artist: Leonardo da Vinci
Colonial town of Tiradentes, Minas Gerais, Brazil, South America
Colonial town of Tiradentes, Minas Gerais, Brazil, South America
Klaus Klein (Suzuki) 1985 Senior TT
Klaus Klein (Suzuki) 1985 Senior TT
Racing driver Jackie Stewart with his bride Helen McGregor after their wedding ceremony
Racing driver Jackie Stewart with his bride Helen McGregor after their wedding ceremony
Actor Ian McShane and his children Morgan, 11, and Kate, 15
Actor Ian McShane and his children Morgan, 11, and Kate, 15
Party in the Park - Andrea Corr of The Corrs July 1999 performing to an audience
Party in the Park - Andrea Corr of The Corrs July 1999 performing to an audience
Melanie Thaw Actress Daughter of Sheila Hancock and step daughter of John Thaw chooses
Melanie Thaw Actress Daughter of Sheila Hancock and step daughter of John Thaw chooses
Edina and Lena knitwear Haute Couture have every garment hand knitted
Edina and Lena knitwear Haute Couture have every garment hand knitted
John Entwistle, bass guitarist of British rock group The Who with his pet tarantula Doris
John Entwistle, bass guitarist of British rock group The Who with his pet tarantula Doris
Statue of Athena from Greek temple of Aphaia at Aegina, 6th century BC
Statue of Athena from Greek temple of Aphaia at Aegina, 6th century BC
Captain Cooks ship spared thanks to its lightning rod
Captain Cooks ship spared thanks to its lightning rod