Peter Christen Asbjørnsen

Peter Christen Asbjørnsen ( born January 15, 1812 in Kristiania, now Oslo, Norway, † January 6, 1885 ) was a Norwegian writer, forester, scientist and collector of Norwegian fairy tales.

Life

Asbjørnsen was born in Kristiania, his roots were but in Gudbrandsdalen, an area with a rich folk tradition. As a student he met Jørgen Moe, with whom he traveled together throughout Norway and folk tales collected and recorded. They published these from 1841. Inspired by Jacob Grimm, they tried that belonged to the original as possible reproduce, thus contribution to the Norwegian language earn. The publications of Asbjørnsen collections were widely spread and strengthened the Norwegian national consciousness. But then ended Asbjørnsen this activity and worked from 1858 to 1876 as a forester. In addition, he has authored numerous scientific works.

His portrait adorns the Norwegian 50 -krone banknote.

Works

• Norske Folkeeventyr (1841-1844)
• Norske og Huldreeventyr Folkesagn (1845-1848, German 1881)