Fortinbras
Denmark's eventual ruler
Fortinbras is a character in Shakespeare's *Hamlet*—the young Norwegian prince who arrives at the play's bloody conclusion to claim the Danish throne.
His name, from French meaning "strong arm," contrasts with Hamlet's indecision; where Hamlet deliberates, Fortinbras acts.
The name occasionally appears as shorthand for decisive military leadership or as an ironic reference to someone who inherits power by outlasting others: He pulled a Fortinbras, showing up just as everyone else had destroyed each other.
Scandinavian constitutional monarchy
- princeRoyal family male
- ElsinoreDanish royal fortress
- tragedyDisastrous or sorrowful event
- successionFollowing in order
revenge · usurpation · sovereignty · legitimacy · heir · invader · conquest · Norway
Organized land-based military
- invasionForcible entry into territory
- campaignOrganized effort toward goal
- marchRhythmic group walk
- conquestDefeating and seizing control
soldier · commander · troops · Poland · battlefield · territorial · siege · warfare
Quick to conclude
- actionProcess of doing
- authorityPower to enforce obedience
- commandAuthoritative instruction given
- restorationReturning something to condition
order · succession · kingship · statesman · governance · resolve · ambition · legitimacy
Punishment for wrongdoing
- avengerRetribution dealer
- reclaimTake back possession
- honorHigh regard, moral dignity
- inheritanceProperty received from ancestors
grudge · feud · restoration · justice · quarrel · legacy · filial duty
Denmark
Scandinavian constitutional monarchy
succession · revenge · usurpation · sovereignty · legitimacy · heir · invader · conquest · Norway · epilogue
army
Organized land-based military
conquest · soldier · commander · troops · Poland · battlefield · territorial · siege · warfare · honor
decisive
Quick to conclude
restoration · order · succession · kingship · statesman · governance · resolve · ambition · legitimacy · heir apparent
retribution
Punishment for wrongdoing
inheritance · grudge · feud · restoration · justice · quarrel · legacy · filial duty