Mörike, Eduard (1804–1875)

German poet and novelist. His Gedichte are, for the most part, simple but exquisite lyrics, graceful in style and original in conception. He is at his best in love or nature poems, based on his inner experiences. He also wrote short stories, the best known being Idylle vom Bodensee 1846 and Mozart auf der Reise nach Prag 1856, as well as an autobiographical novel Maler Nolten 1832.

His works inspired Othmar Schoeck (songs); Heinrich Sutermeister (Jorinde); Max Trapp (Letzte König von Orplid). Two songs were set by Brahms, three by Schumann, and 57 (including four early) by Wolf.

He was born in Ludwigsburg, studied theology, and from 1834 was a Protestant pastor, retiring 1843. He was appointed professor of literature at the Katharinenstift, Stuttgart, an office he held for 16 years.