The Battle of Nonnebjerg (Danish: Slaget ved Nonnebjerget), also known as the Battle of Skanderborg (Danish: Slaget ved Skanderborg) and the Battle of Marbjerg (Danish: Slaget ved Marbjerg), was a battle near Skanderborg Castle on 2 November 1340 between Holsteinian and Danish rebel forces. The result is generally considered a German victory, with the Danish rebel leader, Niels Ebbesen being killed in action.

Battle of Nonnebjerget
Part of Niels Ebbesen's Rebellion

Niels Ebbesen, the leader of the Danish rebellion, on his horse, by Agnes Slott-Møller in 1894.
Date2 November 1340
Location
Nonnebjerget, near Skanderborg, Jutland
56°02′17″N 9°55′31″E / 56.03806°N 9.92528°E / 56.03806; 9.92528
Result Holsteinian victory
(see §Aftermath)
Territorial
changes
Danish retreat
Belligerents
Holstein Medieval Denmark Jutish rebels
Commanders and leaders
Henry II
Markvard Rastorf
Medieval Denmark Niels Ebbesen 
Units involved
Skanderborg garrison
Relief force
Medieval Denmark Jutish peasants and knights
Strength
+600 men c. 2,000 men
Casualties and losses
Unknown 2 – 2,200 killed

Background

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In the early 14th century, Denmark was under the control of foreign powers, with Count Gerhard III of Holstein-Rendsburg holding significant sway over a large portion of the country by the 1330s.[1] However, in 1340, a group of 50 Jutes, led by Niels Ebbesen, a minor nobleman, launched a surprise attack on Count Gerhard in Randers, resulting in his assassination which sent shockwaves throughout the country.[2] In the aftermath, Ebbesen and his followers fled south across the Gudenå River, using a bridge to escape.[2]

As they continued their revolt further south, Ebbesen and his men stormed a Holsteinian fortification located near present-day Skjern, killing many Germans.[3][4] Next, Ebbesen sought to capture the strategically important Skanderborg Castle.[4]

Prelude

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While besieging Skanderborg, the besieged Germans received help from a 600-strong relief force of professional knights, and the Danes were now confronted by two sides.[4][5]

Battle

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At a hill outside Skanderborg, the two sides met in open terrain.[6] The Danish force was roughly 2,000 strong, consisting of peasants and knights, while the German force was made up of armed knights and cavalry.[6] The ensuing battle of bloody and stubborn.[6] At last, the Jutish peasants began to flee and were ousted. Followingly, the Danish landlords and knights, seeing the now superior German forces, decided to give up.[6] A massive bloodbath followed with up to 2,200 Danes killed, including Ebbesen and his two brothers.[6][7]

Aftermath

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According to the Lübeck Chronicle, the Danish bodies were dismembered and put on wheels and pillars, by the Holsteinian counts as revenge for the assassination of their father, Gerhard III, Count of Holstein-Rendsburg, and given as food for the birds.[7]

According to the Chronica Jutensis, the Danes won the battle, however, it agrees with the Lübeck Chronicle that Niels Ebbesen died in the battle. According to the Chronica Sialandie, another final battle should have taken place at Manbjerg.[7]

Legacy

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As a memory of the battle of death of Niels Ebbesen, there has been raised a memorial stone in Skanderborg near European route E75.[7] It was raised a couple of years after the Second Schleswig War, when anti-Germanisation was at its highest in Denmark.[7] Additionally, N. F. S. Grundtvig has also published a psalm on Ebbesen's revolt and fall in 1839.[8]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ Pajung 2024.
  2. ^ a b Dzeko 2011.
  3. ^ Flaskager 2023.
  4. ^ a b c Reinhardt 1880, p. 99.
  5. ^ Suhm 1826, p. 52.
  6. ^ a b c d e Reinhardt 1880, p. 100.
  7. ^ a b c d e Havsteen & Olling 2018, p. 100.
  8. ^ "Om Danemarks kvide der lød en sang". www.torshammer.dk. Retrieved 2024-06-08.

Works cited

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