The five Nordic countries are some of the world's freest, most prosperous and most civilised places. Their heritage of the rule of law, free trade and social cohesion prevailed over several attempts to introduce absolutism, whether by the grace of God or by the will of the People. In this anthology, the most important articulations of this heritage are presented, in particular the account by Icelandic chronicler Snorri Sturluson, of the conflict between aggressive Nordic kings and their resolute subjects, the analysis by Fenno-Swedish pastor Anders Chydenius of the self-interest serving the public interest through free trade, and the emphasis by Danish poet Nikilia F. S. Grundtvig on spontaneous cooperation fostering the civic spirit in a free society.