Grundtvig, Nicolai Frederik Severin (1783–1872)

Danish poet, preacher, and educationalist. He championed civil and religious freedom, advocated the separation of church and state, and originated the ideas which led to the high school system of education. He studied and wrote about the ancient Norse traditions and translated the works of Saxo Grammaticus and Snorri Sturluson 1818–22, as well as the Old English poem Beowulf. He published popular songs, historical and biblical poems, and a system of philosophy, Mind and Liberty.

Grundtvig was born in Udby, Zealand. In 1822 he became chaplain of the Church of the Saviour, Copenhagen. In 1825 his vehement protest, Kirkens Gienmaele, against ‘rationalism’ in the Church, raised a storm of bitter controversy and he resigned. As a member of parliament he helped to draw up the Liberal constitution of 1849.

He was an energetic and extremely influential figure in religious and secular matters. His followers are called Grundtvigians, and a Copenhagen church was named after him.