The Legend:
The story goes that in 1219, King Valdemar II of Denmark was fighting a battle against the Estonians. The Danes were losing, but then a white flag with a red cross fell from the sky, inspiring them to victory. This flag became the Dannebrog, and the date of the battle, June 15th, is still celebrated as "Dannebrog's Day" in Denmark.
Historical Evidence:
* No contemporary accounts: There are no contemporary accounts from the time of the battle that mention a flag falling from the sky.
* Earliest mention: The earliest mention of the legend dates back to the 15th century, over 100 years after the supposed event.
* Other flags: Denmark likely had a national flag before the 13th century, as other European countries did at that time.
Conclusion:
While the story of the Dannebrog falling from heaven is a beautiful and inspiring legend, it is not based on historical fact. The true origins of the Dannebrog remain unknown, but it is likely that it evolved over time, possibly from a banner used by a Danish king or from a religious symbol.
The importance of the legend:
Despite its lack of historical accuracy, the legend of the Dannebrog is important because it reflects the national identity of Denmark and its strong sense of history. It's a story that has been passed down through generations and continues to be a source of pride for Danes.