The Jelling monuments create ripples far beyond Denmark’s borders. There is on the whole no publication or piece of research on the Viking Age, which does not in one way other refer to Jelling. Such work encompasses that on burial customs and change of faith, as well as kingdom formation and royal power. In contrast to most prehistoric monuments, the Jelling monuments have preserved a significance throughout Denmark’s history right up to our own time. This continuing importance is both as monuments, which should be interpreted and communicated about, and also as a source of inspiration.

Questions and answers

The Jelling Project takes as its starting point the monuments and their role in the local and regional landscape. Why did King Gorm and King Harald choose this place for their impressive monument? Which activities took place here 1000 years ago? What did the kings hope to achieve with such a project in the 900s? In addition, where did they take the inspiration from for the magnificent monument? There are many questions and these cannot be the preserve of scholarly disciplines alone. Therefore the Jelling Project draws together a wide range of projects, which will each attempt to come closer to the monuments and the age in which they functioned. The research initiatives will at the same time be combined with a broad publicity campaign, so that the results reach the most people possible. The list of the sub-projects is not yet complete, and more may join the list.