Feng (chieftain) facts for kids

Feng was a legendary Jutish leader from ancient times. He is known as the character who inspired William Shakespeare's famous play, Hamlet, specifically the character of King Claudius. Feng's story appears in old Danish writings like Chronicon Lethrense and Gesta Danorum.

The Ancient Story of Feng

Feng's story is told in two main old books. These books share a similar tale about his actions and how he became a part of a famous legend.

Feng and Horwendill

In the old stories, Feng and his brother, Horwendill, were important leaders in Jutland, a part of Denmark. The Danish king, Rorik Slengeborre, made them rulers there. King Rorik even gave his daughter to Horwendill as a reward for his good service. Horwendill and the king's daughter had a son named Amblothe (who later became known as Hamlet).

Feng's Jealousy and Amleth's Plan

Feng became very jealous of his brother Horwendill. Because of this jealousy, Feng sadly killed Horwendill. He then convinced Horwendill's wife, Amleth's mother, to marry him. Amleth quickly realized his own life might be in danger. To protect himself, he pretended to be unwell and confused. This made Feng think Amleth was not a threat.

Amleth's Journey to England

Feng, still suspicious, decided to send Amleth away to the king of Britain. He sent two servants with Amleth, carrying a secret message. This message asked the British king to harm Amleth. However, Amleth was very clever. While the servants were resting, he secretly changed the message. He wrote that the servants should be harmed instead, and that he should marry the British king's daughter. The British king followed the altered message.

Amleth's Return and Revenge

About a year later, after marrying the princess, Amleth returned to Denmark. He arrived during a special gathering that was held to remember him, as everyone thought he was gone forever. During this gathering, Amleth made sure the people at the court drank a lot. While they were resting, he took the fabric decorations from the hall and fastened them down over everyone with sharp pegs he had prepared. Then, he set the palace on fire. Amleth then found Feng and defeated him with his own sword.

Feng's Legacy in Literature

Many parts of Feng's story, especially the events involving Amleth, are very similar to the famous play Hamlet by William Shakespeare. Shakespeare's play uses many of these ancient plot ideas. However, there is one big difference: the original stories about Feng and Amleth take place in Jutland, which is on the opposite side of Denmark from Elsinore, the castle where Shakespeare's Hamlet is set.