King Cnut commands the tide to retreat (unsuccessfully)

Cnut the Great (circa 985 or 995-1035), (or Canute), King of Denmark, England, Norway, and parts of Sweden. Henry of Huntingdon, the 12th-century chronicler, wrote (the apocryphal story) of how Cnut set his throne by the sea shore and commanded the tide to halt and not wet his feet and robes. Yet "continuing to rise as usual (the tide) dashed over his feet and legs without respect to his royal person. Then the king leapt backwards, saying: "Let all men know how empty and worthless is the power of kings, for there is none worthy of the name, but He whom heaven, earth, and sea obey by eternal laws."

Apocryphal Canute Cnut Commanding Commands Eternal Failed Huntingdon Kingship Laws Obey Obeying Personage Points Respect Retreat Rises Seashore Tidal Tide

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