<P> The first known Danish literature is myths and folklore from the 10th and 11th century . Saxo Grammaticus, normally considered the first Danish writer, worked for bishop Absalon on a chronicle of Danish history (Gesta Danorum). Very little is known of other Danish literature from the Middle Ages . With the Age of Enlightenment came Ludvig Holberg whose comedy plays are still being performed . </P> <P> In the late 19th century, literature was seen as a way to influence society . Known as the Modern Breakthrough, this movement was championed by Georg Brandes, Henrik Pontoppidan (awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature) and J. P. Jacobsen . Romanticism influenced the renowned writer and poet Hans Christian Andersen, known for his stories and fairy tales, e.g. The Ugly Duckling, The Little Mermaid and The Snow Queen . In recent history Johannes Vilhelm Jensen was also awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature . Karen Blixen is famous for her novels and short stories . Other Danish writers of importance are Herman Bang, Gustav Wied, William Heinesen, Martin Andersen Nexø, Piet Hein, Hans Scherfig, Klaus Rifbjerg, Dan Turèll, Tove Ditlevsen, Inger Christensen and Peter Høeg . </P> <P> Danish philosophy has a long tradition as part of Western philosophy . Perhaps the most influential Danish philosopher was Søren Kierkegaard, the creator of Christian existentialism . Kierkegaard had a few Danish followers, including Harald Høffding, who later in his life moved on to join the movement of positivism . Among Kierkegaard's other followers include Jean - Paul Sartre who was impressed with Kierkegaard's views on the individual, and Rollo May, who helped create humanistic psychology . Another Danish philosopher of note is Grundtvig, whose philosophy gave rise to a new form of non-aggressive nationalism in Denmark, and who is also influential for his theological and historical works . </P> <P> While Danish art was influenced over the centuries by trends in Germany and the Netherlands, the 15th - and 16th - century church frescos, which can be seen in many of the country's older churches, are of particular interest as they were painted in a style typical of native Danish painters . </P>

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