Abstract
This article charts the depiction of national identity in the historical novel for children. The introduction defines the historical novel in general (with a review of theories by Georg Lukács and Hayden White), and then reflects upon the function of this genre in children's literature (drawing on studies by John Stephens, Åsfrid Svensen and Anna Adamik Jáscó). To cast light on the structure and development of national identity there is an analysis of two Danish historical novels for children: Marius Dahlsgaard's Thorkilds Træl[Thorkild's slave] (1932) and Lars-Henrik Olsen's Sagaen om Svend Pindehugger [The saga of Svend Pindehugger] (1993). These books deal with the same historical event – the conquest of Estonia in the thirteenth-century – and both novels are based on a national historical legend about the Danish flag. The article argues that the historical novel for children has moved away from purely heroic images and eulogies of king and nation, but is still rooted in national history and incorporates a strong emphasis on power relations fought out in wars.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
