How did N.F.S. Grundtvig use Scandinavian history and literature in his writings?

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Danish literature Jelling stone, raised by King Gorm the Old in the 10th century as a memorial to his wife, Queen Thyre.

N.F.S. Grundtvig was a pioneering figure in the study of early Scandinavian literature, deeply influencing his intellectual and theological work. Following his university studies, he immersed himself in the Eddas and Icelandic sagas, which served as foundational texts for his research.1

His engagement with these historical and literary sources was marked by several key developments:

Romantic Inspiration: His 1808 work, Nordens mythologi ("Northern Mythology"), was heavily influenced by Romanticism, reflecting his early interest in the cultural heritage of the North.1
Philosophical Synthesis: In his 1832 revision of Nordens mythologi, he further expounded his philosophy, integrating his understanding of Northern history with his theological views.1
Educational Reform: Grundtvig advocated for a curriculum centered on the Danish language and national history rather than classical Latin studies. This belief in the value of local history and language inspired the creation of folk high schools, which aimed to provide accessible education to people of all social classes.1
Literary Contributions: Beyond Scandinavian texts, he also contributed to the study of Anglo-Saxon literature through his 1820 version of Beowulf.1