Silver lions
The three Danish lions
According to the Bible, Solomon sat on a throne of gold and ivory on a podium with six steps. On each step lay two golden lions – 12 lions in all. With inspiration from this account, Frederik III also wanted a throne made of gold and ivory and guarded by 12 lions.
The original project of crafting 12 lions was never completed. Making them out of gold was never an option, as the budget did not allow for such a lavish expense. Instead, it was decided to make 12 lions in silver, but this too proved too costly. The compromise solution was to make six lions in silver and six in copper.
However, when Frederik III died, in 1670, only three silver lions had been completed. There was in fact enough silver for one more lion, but this material was instead used to make a sarcophagus for The King. Plans to make the two last silver lions were scrapped, and today, we do not know for certain whether the six copper lions were ever made. It is likely that the two lions guarding the bridge between Rosenborg Castle and the King's Garden today were among these copper lions, but we cannot say for certain.
After the death of Frederik III, the throne was no longer linked to the story of King Solomon's 12 lions was given up. Instead, the story now was that the three silver lions guarding the throne represent the three lions in the Danish coat of arms – which is also a good story!
