Elias Blix

Elias Blix ( born February 24, 1836 in Gildeskål; † January 17, 1902 in Oslo) was a Norwegian professor, poet of hymns and politicians of the party Venstre.

Life and work

Elias Blix was the son of a farmer, first became a teacher and later studied at the University of Oslo Philosophy and Theology ( exam 1866). From 1871 to 1872 he studied at the University of Leipzig and received his doctorate in theology (1876 ). Three years later he became a professor. He was Minister of Church and Education in the Government Johan Sverdrup 1884-1888.

Elias Blix has rendered special services for the Norwegian church language, he translated the Small Catechism of Luther and large parts of the Bible in Nynorsk. In addition, he created hymns, including Gud signe vårt dyre Fedreland (God bless our dear fatherland ).

Blix was married to Emma Hansen ( 1849-1927 ). They had nine children, the most famous is the cartoonist Ragnvald Blix ( 1882-1958 ).