Long ago, in the mid-16th century around 1554, Sir Frands Brockenhuus set out to build an impregnable fortress during a time of unrest marked by peasant uprisings. To secure a solid foundation for the castle in the middle of a lake, he ordered the felling of an entire forest of ancient oak trees so that their trunks could be driven deep into the water. It is said that thousands of oaks were sacrificed to raise a single home, giving birth to the name Egeskov, which means "Oak Forest" in Danish.
At the heart of this tale lies the spirit of the last oak tree. According to legend, one ancient oak or, in another version, a mystical oak log hidden in the castle’s basement became the vessel for the forest’s soul. The locals believed that this entity was the true heart of Egeskov. A warning or prophecy passed down through generations declared: If the last oak were disturbed or the secret log moved, the entire castle would collapse into the lake on Christmas night.
Linked to the oak is the story of the Wooden Boy, a small oak doll known as Træmanden. Carved from the very last tree of the forest, he rests on a cushion in the attic or basement of the castle. The Brockenhuus family, through generations, honored the doll with unwavering reverence, never touching it, and even building renovations carefully around it. This ritual of care ensured the protection of both the castle and its treasures.
The story highlights the value of loyalty and respect for nature. Egeskov’s splendor and strength rely on the life of the oak forest that once stood there. By safeguarding the Wooden Boy, the castle’s owners demonstrated fidelity to the past and reverence for nature, believing that the oak’s spirit would, in turn, guard their family and wealth from misfortune or enemies. The legend teaches that human power is inseparable from the natural world, and prosperity carries the responsibility of stewardship.
Today, Egeskov Castle still rises majestically from the lake, and visitors hear tales of the Wooden Boy sleeping quietly within. The belief is so strong that on Christmas night, no one dares approach the doll, fearing the awakening of ancient powers. The story embodies Danish philosophical values: the need for balance between human ambition and nature, and the importance of honoring promises and traditions to preserve the stability and legacy of a family.