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Which classical poetic forms were popular in 17th-century Denmark?
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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.
In 17th-century Denmark, the literary scene was characterized by a strict adherence to classical patterns. Poetry of this era often followed these traditions closely, with the most popular and favored forms being the hexameter, the alexandrine, and the sonnet.1
These forms were frequently utilized within a style defined by preciosity, where simplicity was deliberately avoided in favor of abundant metaphors, allegories, and euphemisms. Beyond these specific structures, the century was also notably rich in occasional poetry, as well as didactic and pastoral verse.1