Bernhard Severin Ingemann Danish writer, poet and playwright Date of Birth: 28.05.1789 Country: Denmark

1. Bernhard Severin Ingemann: A Life in Letters
2. The Early Years: Romanticism and Success
3. A Return to Realism and Historical Fiction
4. Poetry and Legacy

Bernhard Severin Ingemann: A Life in Letters

Bernhard Severin Ingemann, a renowned Danish writer, poet, and playwright, left an indelible mark on Danish literature.

The Early Years: Romanticism and Success

Ingemann spent most of his life in the town of Sorø, where he became a professor in 1822 and later director of the academy founded by Ludvig Holberg from 1843-1849. His early literary endeavors were marked by the romantic poem "De sorte Riddere" (1814), which he described as "a representation of my worldview, a series of symbolic and fantastic images that are more akin to the figures appearing on the screen of a magic lantern than to the objective reflections of human life."

His tragedy "Blanka" (1815), staged at the Royal Theatre, garnered immense popularity, particularly among women. However, the excessive success of this sentimental play sparked controversy, prompting Ingemann, who had received a royal stipend, to travel abroad.

A Return to Realism and Historical Fiction

Upon his return, Ingemann published his "Sagas and Tales," in which he showcased his remarkable ability to depict everyday life with honesty and simplicity, while still adhering to the tenets of ultra-romanticism. Three years later, he released "Valdemar den Store og hans Maend" (1824), which marked the beginning of a series of highly beloved historical novels: "Valdemar Sejer" (1826), "Erik Menveds Barndom" (1828), "Kong Erik og de Fredlose" (1833), and "Prinds Otto of Danmark" (1835). The series concluded with the poem "Dronning Margrethe" (1836). These novels were renowned for their literary finesse rather than their historical accuracy.

Poetry and Legacy

Ingemann's contributions to Danish poetry were equally significant. His heroic poems, such as "Holger Danske" (1837), and religious hymns, such as "Hoimessepsalmer" (1825), were characterized by their tenderness and love. These works earned him the epithet "The Bright Baldur" of Danish poetry, solidifying his legacy as a master of the written word.