The Sea Horse - Sculpture
At the entrance to Munke Mose, you’ll come across one of Odense’s most eye-catching sculptures. Rising from the waters of the Odense River, Havhesten, or The Sea Horse, carries a mermaid on its back, as if it had just emerged from a fairy tale. The dramatic bronze sculpture has stood here since 1939 and was inspired by the world of Hans Christian Andersen.
From Hans Christian Andersen’s imagination to bronze
Havhesten was created by the sculptor Carl Hugo Liisberg, who found inspiration in H.C. Andersen’s poem Agnete’s Lullaby from the story Agnete and the Merman. In the poem, the wild sea horse appears as a mythical creature from the world beneath the waves, and Liisberg transformed this image into a powerful work of art.
The sculpture shows a strong sea horse rearing energetically from the water, while the mermaid holds on firmly to its back. The movement and energy of the piece are typical of Liisberg’s work, which often explored animals and the forces of nature.
Why is Havhesten in Munke Mose?
Liisberg originally worked on a smaller version of Havhesten, intended for Odense’s open-air swimming baths. However, Odense Municipality’s Beautification Committee felt that the sculpture deserved a more prominent place in the city. It was therefore installed by the sluice bridge in Munke Mose and unveiled on 20 July 1939 with support from the New Carlsberg Foundation.
Carl Hugo Liisberg and Havhesten
Carl Hugo Liisberg (1896–1958) trained at the Royal Copenhagen Porcelain Factory and later studied under the French sculptor Antoine Bourdelle in Paris. He became especially known for his animal sculptures and his lively, realistic style. Havhesten is a good example of Liisberg’s distinctive artistic expression, where strength, movement and a fascination with animals and mythical creatures come together.
Today, Havhesten is one of the artworks many people pass as they walk through Munke Mose. Whether you are interested in Hans Christian Andersen, public art or simply enjoying a stroll along the Odense River, the sculpture is well worth a closer look.
If you continue through Munke Mose, you can also see Liisberg’s sculpture group The Wild Swans, inspired by Hans Christian Andersen’s fairy tale of the same name. The sculpture was first installed in Eventyrhaven in 1955, but was later moved to Munke Mose, where its outstretched necks and wings create a strong sense of movement and flight.
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