DENMARK NATIONAL ARMS
Denmark is a nation of 5 million people in Northern Europe. Denmark is a very old European monarchy and its rulers have, at various times, ruled over extensive empires including not only the Scandinavian Peninsula but also England. The present Royal House of Denmark descends from the ducal House of Oldenburg which came to the Danish throne in 1448.
The lion coat of Denmark is found as early as the 12th century and is among the oldest Coats of Arms anywhere, but the complete armorial achievement is the product of historical development.; it virtually embodies the country’s history among its many quarterings which include Denamrk, Schleswig, Sweden, the Faroe Islands, Greenland, Gothland, and Vandalia; the quarters are separated by the cross of the Dannebrog, over which is placed the Arms of the House of Oldenburg to indicate the kingly rights exercised by that House over the kingdom. This is always the true significance of these escutcheons, which have nothing to do with the election. The Oldenburg Arms include those of Holstein, Stomarn, Ditzmarschen and Lauenburg, upon which are placed those of Oldenburg and Delmenhorst. This latest version of the complete achievement dates from 1948 and is based on the Arms of 1819; occasionally the motto Dominus mihi adiutor ( The Lord is a helper unto me) appears upon a ribbon behind the crown surmounting the mantle.