Biographical Overview & Key Facts

Subject:

Johan Ludvig Runeberg

Role / Field:

National poet of Finland, known for writing in Swedish and authoring 'Our Land' lyrics.

Born:

1804-02-05

Died:

1877-05-06

Century / Era:

1804s Historical Era

Database Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0

Origins & Early Life

Johan Ludvig Runeberg (Finland Swedish: [ˈjuːhɑn ˈlʉdːviɡ ˈrʉːnebærj]; 5 February 1804 – 6 May 1877) was a Finnish priest, lyric and epic poet. He wrote exclusively in Swedish. He is considered a national poet of Finland. He is the author of the lyrics to Vårt land (Our Land, Maamme in Finnish).

Pivotal Works & Achievements

Runeberg was also involved in the modernization of the Finnish Lutheran hymnal and produced many texts for the new edition. Runeberg was born into a Swedish-speaking family in Jakobstad, on the shores of the Gulf of Bothnia. His parents were sea captain Lorentz Ulrik Runeberg (1772–1828) and Anna Maria Malm (1782–1834). His paternal grandfather Ludvig had moved within Sweden from the west to the east, which is now Finland, and Anna Maria Malm was born to a merchant family from Jakobstad, which probably also had their roots in Sweden. As a child, Runeberg suffered from scrofula, which led to glandular swelling.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

His physical development slowed down due to illness so that he did not learn to walk until he was three or four years old. From his father, Johan inherited a manly and brisk character, and from his mother, he inherited sensitivity and artistic talent....

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Frequently Asked Questions about Johan Ludvig Runeberg