Educated at Copenhagen University, Oehlenschlaeger became a writer and poet and a leader of the Romantic movement in Denmark. In 1803, he published Guldhornene (The Golden Horns) which was very successful, especially with the young. His Poetic Works (Poetiske Skrifter) came out in 1805 and appealed to a wider audience. From 1805 to 1809, he toured Europe and while in Italy, published Nordic Poems (1807). On his return to Denmark, he was appointed Professor of Aesthetics at the University. His best-known works include St. Hansaften-spil - a lyric drama - (Midsummer Night's Play - 1802), Aladdin (1805), the historical tragedy Hakon Jarl hin Rige (1807), Baldur hin Gode (Baldur the Good - 1807), Axel and Valborg (1808), Helge (1814), Hroars Saga (1817), Hrolf Krake (1828), Tordenskjold (1832), Dina (1842) and Kiartan of Gudrun (1847). Oehlenschlaeger is considered by many to be Denmark's national poet. |