The Order of the Norwegian Lion (or Den norske løve in Norwegian) was a prestigious Norwegian order of knighthood established by King Oscar II on January 21, 1904. It was created “in memory of the glorious events associated with Norway’s venerable Coat of Arms,” aiming to honor distinguished service and achievements.
The establishment of the Order of the Norwegian Lion was part of King Oscar II’s effort to elevate the Norwegian honors system to be on par with its Swedish counterpart. Specifically, it was intended to serve as an equivalent in rank to the Swedish Order of the Seraphim. This was because knights of the Norwegian Order of St. Olav were considered junior to the knights of the Seraphim within the shared Swedish-Norwegian royal court. The creation of this new order aimed to address this disparity and give Norwegian honors equal standing.
However, the expansion of the Norwegian honors system received mixed reactions from Norwegian politicians. Some saw it as an important step in recognizing Norwegian achievements, while others viewed it with skepticism, considering it unnecessary or politically motivated.
History
The Order of the Norwegian Lion was short-lived due to the political changes that followed its establishment. The Union between Sweden and Norway was dissolved in 1905, and no Norwegian knights were appointed before this dissolution. King Haakon VII, who ascended to the throne after the dissolution, chose not to appoint any new knights to this order. Eventually, he formally repealed the order in a Court resolution on March 11, 1952.
Last Living Knight
The last living knight of the Order of the Norwegian Lion was King Gustaf VI Adolf of Sweden, who passed away in 1973. His death marked the end of an era for this prestigious yet short-lived Norwegian order.
The Order of the Lion Design
The obverse of the medal prominently featured the Norwegian lion, a key element of Norway’s coat of arms. The lion was depicted in a heraldic stance, often holding a battle-axe, which is a traditional symbol of Norwegian royalty and strength.
The reverse of the medal bore the inscription detailing the order and its purpose, surrounded by ornate designs that emphasized its significance and grandeur.
The star of the order was an elaborate and radiant design, often enameled in white and gold, further emphasizing the order’s prestige. It was worn on the left chest and signified the knight’s distinguished status.
The ribbon of the Order of the Norwegian Lion was typically a striking combination of red and white, reflecting the colors of the Norwegian flag. This ribbon was worn over the shoulder, crossing the chest, and supporting the medal.
