Sammendrag
Historians disagree upon the status of Norway in the period 1380 to 1814, when the ancient kingdom was no longer independent, but ruled by the Danish king. The article studies views on 'the Norwegian', as expressed in contemporary texts in various genres. Particular attention is given to the tendency of describing 'the Danish epoch' through metaphors – for example, Norway was compared to a sleeping or very old person. Among those who followed up in the 19th century was Henrik Ibsen, who in retrospect created the expression "400-year night".
“All good Norwegians, who are my dear compatriots”: Voices on ‘Norway’ and ‘the Norwegian’ in ‘the Danish epoch’