Gorm the Old

Gorm the Old (born before 900, died c. 958) was the first ruler recognised as king of all Denmark, reigning from Jelling from about 936. He married Queen Thyra, whom tradition credits with strengthening the Danevirke rampart, and raised the older Jelling Stone and a burial mound in her honour, calling her Denmark's salvation.

Gorm remained a pagan; Denmark converted only under his son Harald Bluetooth. Tree-ring dating places his death in the winter of 958–959.