Tycho, known for his accurate and comprehensive astronomical and planetary observation, had been granted an estate on the island of Hven by Frederick II of Denmark and the funding to build the Uraniborg, an early research institute, where he has built large astronomical instruments and taken many careful measurements.

Tycho's influence has steadily declined since Frederick’s death and the succession of his son, Christian IV; he has lost most of his financial privileges.

However, he retains Hven as a fiefdom, despite criticism of his treatment of the peasants.

Tycho leaves Hven in the spring of 1597 after several unpleasant disagreements with the new king.