One day Canute found he needed to rebuke some courtiers who were assuring him was so great that he could even rule the waves. He decided to put their flattery to a practical test and on a beach near the home of his chief steward, Godwine at Chichester, he had a chair placed on the water’s edge before the incoming tide. He then proceeded to challenge the sea to soak his feet. The sea accepted the challenge and dampened the royal toes. Thus the King proclaimed "Behold how feeble is the power of Kings of men for the waves will not hear my voice. Honor the Lord only, and serve him, for to him all things give obedience." From this time
Canute never wore his crown again, but instead put it on a statue of the crucified Christ.
It should be noted that there are doubts as to the authenticity of this well-known story. In the main this is because due to King Canute’s positive treatment of the church, this might have been merely Pro-Canute propaganda by the church who in the early 11th century were responsible for most of the recording of contemporary events.
Canute never wore his crown again, but instead put it on a statue of the crucified Christ.
It should be noted that there are doubts as to the authenticity of this well-known story. In the main this is because due to King Canute’s positive treatment of the church, this might have been merely Pro-Canute propaganda by the church who in the early 11th century were responsible for most of the recording of contemporary events.
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