8 December : Remembering Bjørnstjerne Bjørnson on Birthday

Bjørnstjerne Bjørnson (8 December 1832 – 26 April 1910) was a Norwegian writer. In 1903, Bjørnstjerne Bjørnson was awarded the Nobel Prize in Nobel Prize in Literature.

Life and Career

Bjørnstjerne Bjørnson was born on 8 December 1832, in Kvikne, Norway.

Bjørnson’s education was a mix of formal schooling and self-study. He attended schools in Norway and also pursued independent learning during his travels. His exposure to different cultures and languages influenced his writing and worldview.

Bjørnson is best known as a prolific Norwegian writer, poet, and playwright. He played a significant role in the Norwegian literary revival of the 19th century. His works often explored themes of national identity, social justice, and individual freedom. He wrote plays, novels, short stories, and poetry that were deeply rooted in Norwegian culture and history.

One of his most famous works is the play “Peer Gynt,” which is considered a masterpiece of Norwegian literature. He also wrote the lyrics for the Norwegian national anthem, “Ja, vi elsker dette landet” (Yes, We Love This Country). His writings played a crucial role in shaping Norwegian nationalism and cultural consciousness.

Bjørnstjerne Bjørnson passed away on 26 April 1910, in Paris, France.

Award and Legacy

Bjørnstjerne Bjørnson was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1903. He received the prize for his “Noble, magnificent and versatile poetry, which has always been distinguished by both the freshness of its inspiration and the rare purity of its spirit.” His contribution to Norwegian literature and his efforts to promote his country’s language and culture were highly regarded.

Bjørnson’s legacy is immense. He is celebrated as one of Norway’s greatest literary figures and a key figure in the country’s cultural history. His writings helped shape modern Norwegian language and literature. His emphasis on social justice, humanism, and national identity continues to resonate in Norway and beyond.