Ludwig Rhesa

Ludwig Rhesa ( Martin Ludwig Rhesa or Jedemin Ludwig Rhesa ) ( born January 9, 1776 in Karwaiten; † August 30, 1840 in Königsberg ) was consistory and Protestant theologian in Königsberg. He is considered a pioneer of Lithuanian culture in German speaking countries.

Life

As the son of the beach overseer Reehse in Karwaiten ( lit. Karvaiciai ) born on the Curonian Spit, he went to study theology in Königsberg ( Prussia). There, he was a fellow in Kypkeanum and changed the spelling of his name in Rhesa. First garrison preacher in Fort Fredericksburg, he was in 1810 Professor and Director of the Lithuanian seminar at the Albertus University of Königsberg. He collected and translated Lithuanian poetry and dainos ( folk songs ).

In German, became known above all the seasons of Christian Donalitius. Rhesa received at the text transcripts of Pastor Johann Gottfried Jordan from Walterkehmen. He had received the manuscript of the widow Anna Regina Donaleit, born Ohlefant. It also got him a copy of Pastor JF Hohlfeldt from Gerwischkehmen available. Due to requirement as a professor and the wars of Napoleon could Rhesa until 1818 to publish his book The year in four cantos. "

During the Napoleonic wars Rhesa gave the book Prutenia, Prussian folk songs, which he also intends his queen.

Rhesa is due to a reference to the Protestant preachers in West and East Prussia.

In his will, he bequeathed his fortune, the Rhesianische Foundation for a student hostel Rhesianum along the lines of he had visited Kypkeanum. The Rhesianum was built in 1854 in Königsberg district means hooves ..

Works (selection)

• Ludwig Rhesa J, Christian Donaleitis: The year in four cantos. Königsberg 1818 online
• Concise messages from all since 1775 at the evangelical churches in East Prussia hired preachers. 1834