Canonical Nordic

The national literary canon in a Nordic archipelago

Abstract

This article explores the evolving concept of a national literary canon in Denmark within a broader Nordic and global context. Prompted by the 2025 update to the Danish high school literature canon, which emphasizes gender balance, Nordic diversity, and pedagogical flexibility, the article examines how Danish and Nordic literature increasingly engage with international audiences and transnational educational settings. Drawing on the concept of “accessible difference” and Aleida Assmann’s distinction between canon and archive, the author argues for an uncanny canon – one that embraces both familiarity and strangeness – as a pedagogical and cultural tool. The article highlights the international success of Nordic literature, the rise of integrated Nordic literary histories, and the pedagogical implications of teaching Nordic texts outside the region. Ultimately, it advocates for a dynamic, inclusive canon that reflects the complexities of Nordic identity and fosters global cultural dialogue.