Poet, Political Activist. One of the leading forces in Norway's famous "Battle of the Square" on May 17, 1829, twenty-year-old Wergeland stood up to authorities who were attempting to uphold the ban on celebrations of National Constitution Day. When asked during an interrogation following the scuffle how old he was, he is said to have replied, "I am six years older than the Norwegian Constitution. I hope the present gentlemen remember when that constitution was written." Word of his fight for the right to celebrate the day spread throughout Norway, making the young Wergeland a national hero. Students still decorate his grave on May 17. Though his literary legacy includes plays and an influential political history in addition to his poetry, it is the poetry that has earned him a prominent place in European literary tradition. The title "Norway's National Poet" reflects both the high quality of his poetry and his strong nationalistic themes.
Poet, Political Activist. One of the leading forces in Norway's famous "Battle of the Square" on May 17, 1829, twenty-year-old Wergeland stood up to authorities who were attempting to uphold the ban on celebrations of National Constitution Day. When asked during an interrogation following the scuffle how old he was, he is said to have replied, "I am six years older than the Norwegian Constitution. I hope the present gentlemen remember when that constitution was written." Word of his fight for the right to celebrate the day spread throughout Norway, making the young Wergeland a national hero. Students still decorate his grave on May 17. Though his literary legacy includes plays and an influential political history in addition to his poetry, it is the poetry that has earned him a prominent place in European literary tradition. The title "Norway's National Poet" reflects both the high quality of his poetry and his strong nationalistic themes.
Bio by: NatalieMaynor
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