Sir Ebbe`s Daughters

Woman (Eldest Sister):

...And now we will see with honour whether women are worth anything...

 

Narrator:

Honour, power, the oppression of women, but also... revenge...

 

A knightly ballad about Sir Ebbe's daughters that dates back to the 12th century, was the inspiration for Agnes Slott-Møller's plaster relief – half sculpture, half painting.

 

The ballad tells of two noblemen who rape the young sisters at home in the castle of Kviste while their father and the Lord of the Castle is on a trip to Rome.

 

The girls will die of shame and speak of drowning themselves with stones.

 

The youngest sister suggests waiting to see if the Lord will take revenge...

However, the older sister has other ideas....

 

Slott-Møller shows the sisters on their way to church, the eldest with a sword hidden under her cloak, on her way to take revenge on both nobles.

 

She was fascinated with the past, and often depicted Danish legends and historical events. Here, with the use of Medieval song and references to the Middle Ages in the women's clothing.