The Nordic Cross and the Legend of the Dannebrog

Every Nordic flag carries an off center cross reaching the edges of the field, a pattern that begins with the Dannebrog of Denmark.

Legend says the red banner with the white cross fell from the sky at the battle of Lindanise in Estonia in 1219, turning defeat into victory.

Sweden, Norway, Iceland and Finland adopted the pattern in the 19th and 20th centuries, and the Faroe Islands and other autonomous territories carry their own versions today.