Cnut the Great

Cnut the Great, also known as King Canute, was a Viking king who ruled over England, Denmark, Norway, and parts of what is now northern Germany during the early 11th century. He is often remembered for his efforts to unite these diverse territories and for his strong leadership. Cnut's reign marked a period of relative peace and stability. One famous story involving him involves his attempt to demonstrate the limits of his power by sitting on the shore and commanding the tides not to rise, illustrating that even kings must respect the forces of nature.